Friday, October 17, 2008

LET'S ALL STEP OUT ..........


MY FRIDAY GUEST

I JOIN OTHER BLOGGERS WHO FOUND IT APPROPRIATE AND TIMELY TO HOST SHAIK RIZAL.


My letter Malay rights – a mystical myth? (Malaysiakini)had been ‘borrowed’ by many blogs which posted it on their own site as an interesting topic for sharing. I am touched that my letter-writing debut has been well-received with many positive comments although I have seen some negative comments posted too.

Well, I would like to think that even I should allow such democracy! As happy as I am about this writing debut, it also worries me that some quarters are using it to prove their own unheard point. And considering that a Malay man wrote this article, it became a much talked about piece.

This is why I feel the need to write this second letter because I may have been misunderstood in some ways in the earlier one. Perhaps my point was not very clear. Perhaps my sarcasm was out of context and perhaps I was not compassionate enough.

I am not an anti-Malay or whatever privileges that the Malays are entitled to. I just feel that the Malays are ‘running on the spot’ in the endeavor of being privileged. What are we fighting for when we say Malay rights? What rights do we want? Do we even know what we want?

I am not oblivious of the fact that the disparity between the urban Malays vs the rural Malays can be quite diverse. But this disparity is also the same for the Chinese and Indians varying only in the degree of it. So it is fair to say then that the rural life standards in Malaysia for all races are very different from their urban counterparts? So where would Malay rights play a role here?

If the Chinese and the Indians in the villages and small towns can make it, what about the Malays then? The support vs the sustain system is indeed a paradox because one does not seem to complement the other. We continue to have subsidies favouring one race while supplies are being controlled by another race. So who is helping whom at the expense of whom?

I stand to be misunderstood again here when I say this but the point I am trying to make is that the objective of a good government is to balance the economic and wealth distribution of the people and hence the NEP was created to ‘attempt’ to eradicate poverty among the Malays. Perhaps at that time it was much needed because Malaysia would not be what it is today if those poverty issues were not addressed then.

But did the NEP achieve its objectives? When we define ‘rights’, to me, it simply means that each and every Malay must be able to have it. If we want to think that this country belongs only to the Malays, then practice the policy of ‘rights’ in the true sense of the word - give every Malay a scholarship regardless, give every Malay a job regardless, give every Malay a home regardless, give every Malay subsidies, give every Malay the opportunity to own Malaysia Airlines! Right?

Yes, the Malays are the dominant political force in Malaysia but we need to audit the progress of our race versus the policies implemented to help us. It is this audit that will slowly change the concept of Malay rights to a progressive ‘pseudo-affirmative action’ type policy to eradicate the wealth and economic disparity among the races and not just the Malays.

We the Malays need to move on with the times too. Why are we scared to face the world like everybody else? We should not feel insecure. What is the point of obtaining a contract only to pass it on to the non-Malays to implement it?

The bigger pie lies in the award of the contract or the execution of the contract? This is why we can never control the supply base economy because we don’t directly use it. And since when does strong affinity with a political party ensure government contracts regardless of merit and credibility?

I am of the opinion that the best way for the Malays to succeed moving forward is to make the arena more competitive. Assign policies in accordance to the percentages of the races in the country and with affirmative action, assign a premium to these percentages to reflect the need to elevate any particular race that needs to ‘catch up’.

Assigning a premium would mean to reduce the pie elsewhere so this concept would create a harmonious balance. The Malays, by the mere fact that they are the biggest race will automatically receive the biggest attention and allocation of this new policy without depriving the Chinese and the Indians of what they deserve.

This distribution based on race percentages is perhaps the most transparent any government can achieve and we all can agree up front what is the premium percentage we add to it as a catalyst for the ‘catch up’ effort. If we agree, then no one should debate it anymore and we all must live in harmony forever after! Politics would be better organised too!

Maybe I am being too simplistic in my approach but I am not here to create or implement policies. I just want to drive home a strong message. The Malays must take the responsibilities that come with power and create wealth in the true sense of the word. The concept of wealth-creation is a noble policy. Creating wealth is not just simply making money, worse still making a fast buck.

Politics and economics should complement each other and not at the expense of one another. Strategic creation of wealth leads to a successfully developed nation and not individuals.

The culture of racial-based politics is no longer desired by Malaysians because while we are thought to live in a multiracial country in peace and harmony, the political and economy structures tells us otherwise. This paradox will always create ‘flammable conflict’ and it is this hidden racial sentiment that is more dangerous than the explicit racialism that we all often describe.

For as long as politics in Malaysia is race-based, there will always be a racist in all of us. Only the degree of it makes us different from one another. Let’s accept this fact and face the reality.

Malay rights must ‘right the Malays’ in more ways than just what the policy can provide. The government can only do so much. A weak government can do nothing. It is so easy to start racial tension in this country and the bias is getting obvious by the day. If we really want to help the Malays then let’s focus on putting the Malays on a level playing field first. Make sure the Malays are educated up to the tertiary level.

The less fortunate ones should be given vocational or technical training. We must develop survival skills so that we know how to feed ourselves. If need be, provide loans in ways that would help raise the competence level of the Malay entrepreneur and not just disburse money for the sake of fulfilling a promised Umno policy.

For every RM1 given out, let the Malays have 60% of it. The other races should have access to the balance 40%. But after that, we must all swim or sink together. Once a level playing field is created, then only sheer hard work, dedication, merit and God can help us. This is why only the best will do very well.

Ownership of national assets should not be given to handpicked individuals. Professional managers should be given a chance to own these assets in management groups and encourage spin-offs either from existing or new business models that are grown successfully from the main ‘crown jewel’ organisation. Let them be tested first and they should be disciplined enough to be focussed on that one particular industry or business.

Expand the ‘mother ship’ and do not try to own the kingdom. This way, at least we stand a chance to see Malaysian companies compete globally like the ‘Samsungs’ of this world. Only then can we see a bigger number of carefully-trained and experienced group of people owning a piece of the economy. Politics should be independent of it.

I would go further and say that these groups should not predominantly be of a single race. If an opportunity such as this is given, then let’s encourage common shareholding. Who leads is a different matter. It may be wishful thinking but why make it so easy when such a great opportunity is given? Let the best man win.

Affirmative action should aim to create balance and equilibrium in the economic standing of every group and not antagonise or steal what generally belongs to the common people. The policies may have had a good objective and by all means if the objective has to be met, then continue it but the problem lies in the execution of it, the politics of it, the arrogance of it.

The Malays can govern this country but let’s be fair to every Malaysian. Let’s work in a harmoniously- led policy that benefits everyone.

The ‘Malay Rights’ cause is no longer relevant in my opinion because the execution of the policy does not even support all Malays. Forget about it being a fair policy to all Malaysians, it is not even fair to most Malays. We need to fine-tune it to uphold the true substance of it for the good of everyone and for Malaysia to truly prosper as a developed country.

If we as a country can be a model to the world why can’t we be a model to ourselves? As I had strongly said in my last letter, I do not want to see my Malay race being artificially powerful. I do not want my Malay race to ‘run on the spot’ for the next 50 years.

We must be hungry for true success that no one can take away from us. By all means educate us to the best of our ability so that we can stand on our own two feet to face all of world’s challenges. So that we can be the ‘towering’ Malaysian known globally.

We need to revolutionise our minds and thought process with education, expertise and passionate knowledge. We have to change. We may not see the benefits in our life time but god willing we will create a good platform for our children to be truly successful in whatever they aim to do. Such noble aspirations deserve serious attention. God willing they will.


Shaik Rizal Sulaiman (Managing Director, ArianWorks.)

He was formerly the CEO/ED of DRB-HICOM Information Technologies Sdn Bhd, the IT arm for the DRB-HICOM Group and was responsible for the National IT Special project “KOMNAS 2020”, a project accorded the national status by the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Prior to that, he was the Adviser for New Business Ventures at MIMOS Bhd, Malaysia’s government IT agency.

Shaik Rizal started his career in advertising with Dentsu, Young & Rubicam, and then ventured into corporate finance/mergers & acquisitions with AIMS Worldwide before setting up his own courier logistics company, Vision Courier in 1997. He has a Finance & Marketing Management degree from Purdue University, USA and an MBA in International Business from University of Bristol, UK.



21 comments:

Anonymous said...

The boy's opinion is simplistic and shallow. Lack of indepth understanding of history, law and government. He is applying simpleton brain of business and corporate logic to complex socio-polito-economic issue.

Thats the sort of brain senile Zorro can understand.

This article proves Zorro is disappointed the royals did not accord him Bumiputera status. He is seeking comfort from some idiot Malay boy to express his senile old racist dreams.

Thank you doing the Yellow March for us ... hahaha ... you racist ole fart.

wizsurf malaysia said...

Mr Shaik Rizal is obviosly an intelligent man , balanced and rational. Just like many of us, except he is concerned with the myth and the hypocrisy he sees around him and that he takes a proactive stance or at least some stand on what is wrong with Malaysia.

Actually his lengthy letter is factual ( like so many has written before him ) but here today we are not facing a question of credibility nor ascertaining the true facts. Our law makers and gomen officials are people with the political conviction of "take as much as you can damn the rest". Checks and balances are almost non existent in the gomen hierachy as everybody is too busy looking after himself. The true problem is certain excessively corrupt officials who are getting away with 'murder".

we just need another strongman to chop some heads first for temporary relief . but where the hell is this strongman ! and so our long suffering wounds turn septic by the day .

I can go on and on and become another great writer ( I hope ) but then so what ?

We need real effective action , not fantastic writers ! Nor commentators !

Anonymous said...

LKY Singapore Senior Minister once said, "Don't give a malay a free dollar, he will spent it recklessly and will not appreciate its value, teach him how to earn it, he will appreciate it more"
So to be competitive and stay competitive, this spoon feeding behavior will only bring a fruitless outcome.
After 50 years of Merdeka, the more educated malays can firmly stand on their own feet and have move on. It is the rural malays that still suffer inadequacies designed by UMNO as a vehicle to clinch on to power, stuffing them with racial and religious lies. The recent GE and the Permatang Puah by-election re-flexed this scenario.
Malay rights are only good for the elites in UMNO...for Power and Wealth.

Anonymous said...

I'm 53 and born in malaysia. I consider myself a malaysian and nothing else. But the race based politics in this country keep on reminding me that I have to be identified based on race. I am not from a rich family and I have struggled very hard throughout my life to survive and provide a decent future for my family, eventhough the affirmative discrimination policies imposed onto the citizens of this country caused some minor difficulty along the way. I do agree that the government has to be compassionate enough to help the lower income group, especially the rural and the agricultural segment of the population because I did come from the lower income group and understand the suffering what more when there is no help like my situation. The assistance provided by the government to the low income group must be a sustainable and long term solution and not based on handouts or subsidies, to enable them to achieve economic competitiveness. For those who have attained the necessary economic competitiveness. they should be decent enough to stand equal with all fellow malaysian citizens and have a fair challenge. To me, the universal value of human dignity is to treat each other on a fair and equal basis. The continuing harping of racial rights in this country is a burden caused by the selfish play of the racist politicians to secure their own power to rule and beneficial gains in the running of the economy from the tax payers' money. I'm apolitical and non-racial and it pains me that the racial politics keep saying that they are fighting for my race. In so doing, the racist UMNO will have plenty of issues to be raised to rebuke them and I as an ordinary citizen, end up suffer more of the discrimination from them. All I want is to be treated fairly and equally in the country that I was born and which I called home. All I wish is a government who will not suppress and discriminate its able citizens who try to succeed in life and pay their taxes. Is it too much to ask in this beloved country of ours?

Anonymous said...

The Malays should get 60% for every ringgit spent on the rakyat? That's being too over generous. I would have thought 50% is more than adequate to cover whatever needs they deserve. The balance of 50% should be spread out among the rest. In any case, remember it's not the percentage how the allocation is made that gives equity to the distribution. Rather, it's how that ringgit is spent and justified in the circumstances. Why should that 50% be spent on those who are already driving the Mercs and BMWs? So they can upgrade to the Rolls Royce at the expense of their kampong contemporaries? Is that not how the NEP works for the past 30+ years?
malsia1206

zorro said...

wizsurf.....hopefully writers like this one can inspire someone to effectively lead and do what has to be done.I have hope in our young people.


brunt....that was an unkind cut but that is your nature, blinkers and all.....and convincingly shallow.But it takes all to make this country and we need people like you to get us out of complacency....even the devil has a place in the goings on in this little world of ours. For this I thank you but with a prayer that your negativity will not spill over to your children, the hope of this country.

Anonymous said...

ALERT: Suaram activist arrested under ISA.
Terkini: Aktivis Suaram ditahan bawah ISA.

zorro said...

and one other thing Brunt....senility is much prefered over being puerile with an infantile fixation. Surely you don't need me to elucidate. Being senile, I cannot make it simpler for simple minds. Salam brother.

zorro said...

Thanks Arif....suaram from Johor under EO I believe....see you on Sunday. I visit RPK with Marina and her kids tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

The wealth distribution as envisioned by the writer can easily be construed as a step towards the setting up of a socialist or communist state.

So instead of only ensuring that every $ is divided equally between all the rakyat, lets make it complete by confiscating everything from the wealthy and then dividing it equally between all the rakyat based on the % that has been identified. No one will be allowed to own more than their neighbours and nothing luxury to be tolerated.

All industries to be nationalized and the hiring process again based on % to ensure employment for all the rakyat. All other economic activities must be gathered together into communes and again, fair % on workers. There must be a quota set for the former rich folks to be employed in the mines and paddy fields, working their hands & feet.

Perhaps only then will there be real satisfaction and fairness.

Thought from the Captain.

Anonymous said...

A rare & refreshing write-up, covering the future of the Malaysia in big picture!

Let me pick some bones with the microscope;

‘For every RM1 given out, let the Malays have 60% of it. The other races should have access to the balance 40%.’

The last that I checked;

Ethnic groups:

Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%, other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)

CIA – The World Factbook – Malaysia

Not that I ‘wanted some more’, to quote Oliver Twist, can we be a little closer to the fact, Please?

There is also contradiction here;

‘Assign policies in accordance to the percentages of the races in the country and with affirmative action, assign a premium to these percentages to reflect the need to elevate any particular race that needs to ‘catch up’.’

With

‘Make sure the Malays are educated up to the tertiary level.’

&

‘Ownership of national assets should not be given to handpicked individuals.’

The scenes of education & GLCs in Malaysia are VERY well documented. And the argument is always about this ‘premium’/ handicap!

As long as the premium is race-based rather than need-based, we r going no where.!

As of now, the umno policy & the subconscious mind of the Malay Malayisan is more towards race than need. So what take? Perhaps another 50yrs, when more RPK, Aisehman, Haris, SRS & others emerge!

But, BUT.. does Malaysia has another 50yrs at the current mode of ‘operating’ the setup?


gwlnet

Anonymous said...

If the people remain afraid and silent, then those in power will continue to do what they like. Beware, forces at work to create another May 13, it’s too obvious. The mode of operation is also too similar to be a coincidence, we all know who’s behind the current racial polarisation.

REJECT RACIST POLITICIANS, REJECT MAHATHIRISM, REJECT ISA, BOYCOTT UTUSAN MALAYSIA.

DEMAND FOR THE RETURN OF INDEPENDENCE TO THE MALAYSIAN EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE, JUDICIARY & MEDIA. JR

OBT said...

Why don't you try these new Blogger templates for your blog. They're much easier to customize than other templates.

Anonymous said...

Bernard the way things are going, looks to me we the rakyat are going to be stuck with a worse moron the badawi, look at all the flip flop statements coming out of Umno, mca calls umno bullies, Badawi says no, no, you are my friends, meanwhile you have people like THE AHMADS OF UMNO calling the chinese 'You squaters", badawi goes on to say , 'where got we bully, we are such good friends',.

than you have the future morom to be saying this to foreigners,
Work with Govt in facing crisis, Najib urges Opposition

KUALA LUMPUR: The Opposition has been urged to work together with the Government to develop a common ground in facing the global financial crisis.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this could “perhaps be the one positive result of the global economic crisis and a struggling economy.”
“Of late, Malaysia has become increasingly torn by the very thing which provided our independence and sustained our strength - our diversity.
“Much like the global community, increasing political and economic pressures and occasional self-interest have driven some of us away from the pursuit of mutual understanding and interest,” he said in his speech at the closing dinner of the Regional Eisenhower Fellowships Conference here last night.
Najib said the list of challenges faced by the Government was made even more daunting with the Opposition, which is a critical voice to any productive democracy, still adamant in claiming the majority voice in Parliament through the back door.
“Our system of government, and anyone who serves in it, has come under suspicion and criticism, sometimes of the most offensive sort.
“Perhaps most importantly, there is an entire generation of Malaysians coming of age who know nothing of productive discourse, compromise or win-win solutions,” he said.
He said another ongoing challenge was a frustrated electorate that matured at a faster pace than its government.
“Malaysia is fortunate that the electorate remain willing, within limits, to provide the Government the time to catch up,” he said.
On the economic crisis, he said: “Malaysia must take this opportunity in adversity to further integrate our economies with our most important trade and investment partners.
“We must avoid the temptation to resort to protectionist barriers - the world must remain open for business,” he added.

Here is a offer from the PM, NOW IS THE TIME FOR DAP TO PRESS THE PM, LETS SEE WHETHER NAJIB MEANS WHAT HE SAYS OR IS HE JUST ANOTHER FLIP-FLOP.
I get the impression that umno's idea of working together is, DON'T COMPLAAIN SO MUCH, LET US THE UMNO WARLORDS MAKE MONEY BY BUYING EUROCOPTERS AT TWICE THE MARKET PRICE, AND POCKETING THE COMMISSION. When the opposition said to revise the budget najib said no need because malaysia is cash rich with a -$285 billion in bad debts owing to other countries, than why is he making this statement to alll the foreigners or is it just for show? looks like we the rakyat are in for a worse ride than with BADAWI, WELL LOOKS LIKE THE END OF THE RAHMAN THEORY, UMNO DIES WITH NAJIB, what an irony, the son kills the father's legacy, and how right it will feel, come the next election we the rakyat are really going to kick umno and their scumbag machais from BN out of government, and into prisons. That is WHY I AM AGAINST THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE ISA, I WANT ALL THESE UMNO DOGS TO SPEND 15 YEARS MINIMUM, IN JAIL, WHILE ALL PROPERTIES ARE CONFISCATED.

Anonymous said...

Hi Uncle Zorro,

I have just discovered that Rockys Bru is no longer on your blog roll.

It's his pro-Utusan postings, isn't it?

Way to go Uncle Zorro! Don't give chance man ..

suki said...

Hey old man must tell you a good one,yesterday while playing golf a friend who is about your age was told by a caddy(FEMALE LA)abang bukan old man abang orang lama meaning he's got experience.So from today you will be called orang lama lol.Regards and thanks for your entertaining articles.

Anonymous said...

For whatever reason, it's simply wrong to give entitlement based on race. The entitlement shall be based on need regardless of race. I'm a Malaysian Malay currently living in Canada. In Canada, Native people are given so much priviledges by the Government to help them compete. However, recently a group of educated Natives voiced their concern that if the Government keep on feeding the Natives, they will not be competitive and progress as fast. I believe the Malays in Malaysia have the problem if they keep on relying on NEP. If the Government really honest to help the Malays, forgo the NEP. Unless if those in power want to continue enriching themselves.

the witch's broo said...

hi zorro,

awww... i dunno, zorro.

shaikh has some good valid points.
but i wouldn't totally dismiss arguments from the other side.

but i salute anyone who can bring forth solid arguments sans emotions! you know why --- i'm an already emotional person...so enough of my kind already.

love you, zorro!

whack the buggers, sir!

Anonymous said...

Basically that is the general idea BN-UMNO lack off or do not want to be part of.
If BN-UMNO can change, I think the earth will start to spin the other way around.
I am glad that I get to read this from a Malay brother who actually knows what we non-Malay brother, the commoner feels and have to go thru day in day out just to fend and feed our families.
I thank you and I sincerely hope what you wrote will eventually materialize .......someday for our future generations....

Anonymous said...

I gave you all my 100% by packing my bags,my degrees, etc and voting with my feet. You are ALL "Welcome to Malaysia" as they say at the airport arrivals section in KL.

I live in a RM$3 million home, own 2 cars worth RM$250,000, etc and my kids to to the best school for which I pay about RM$10,000 a year. I earn RM$25,000 per month (against the RM$3,000 I earned with overtime in KL). I am free and equal now.

So I say to you all again you are ALL "Welcome to Malaysia' especially under Najib.

balan said...

There's nothing wrong with Malay rights, it's how the people in power use it.

I think the none malays would have no complains as long as they are bot denied of any opportunities.

Being Malay educated and lived within felda's for many year, we were treated with respect and there are no talk about rights etc. Only the politicians choose to stoke emotions and root for support with these issues.

http://balankumarpremakumaran.blogspot.com/