There now exist two large group of voters in our country. The progressives, usually from the bigger towns and cities who thought all the races should integrate, and the regressives, usually sub-urbanites and village dwellers whom are against it.
To the progressives, each and every race has its own strength and goodness. And if all the races could work together and integrate, they believe that our country would forge forward faster and become stronger because unity as they say, is strength.
As for the regressives, their rejection towards social integration is chiefly marked by their fear of losing out in competitiveness when measured against other races, whereas others fear that their ‘special position’ could be weaned off in time, which of course is imagery because their rights are embedded inside our constitution. Amongst those regressives are the ones who did not approve of social integration not because they fear, but because they have benefited from the handouts giventh them by those in power and there are those who thought their special position is a good option, as security for their childrens’ or own failure, but still were absorbed into the civil service. Because of reasons such as these, most will protect their special positions at all costs. So much so that it becomes a target for exploitation by irresponsible politicians and racists parties; by sowing hatred to garner votes~ that this land belongs solely to them, thus power sharing is non-negotiable.
In the minds of these regressives, they’d rather abstain from voting than to hand them to multiracial parties or parties that associate themselves with other races. That explains how a third of Malays did not vote this time round. But for those who did, they move in flocks and shifted to another stable, but again of their own kind, giving alternative racist parties an unexpected vote boost. Unlike the Chinese and Indians, these ultras are not comfortable with multiracial parties or Malay parties that associate themselves with other races, but that is how it is.
It is difficult to comprehend their simplistic view. But blood is nevertheless thicker than water. Unlike the Chinese and Indians who hast giventh their core representation, MCA and MIC, the boot a long time ago for being self enriching rather than standing up for their rights. To these ultras, a single corrupt minister does not make a corrupt party be. And when it comes to push and shove, they will continue to vote for others from within the same party until it is proven that the majority within that same party is corrupt before they collectively shift their votes.
Co-existing within this flummox exists the religious fundamentalists whose unequivocal reverence to their God has veiled their perception of the world. To them, utopia means getting this country to adapt to their way of life because to them, only one God exists, is all perfect and so, should his teachings never be wrong. This concept of tuning to God for solutions and ramifications appeal to many a believer. Settling first in the east coast, the once tiny blot now stains the entire region and beyond. To the religious, their popularity is an exoneration by God and an affirmation by the people that they are doing something right. The consequences, they have built many religious schools to groom their young whilst blinding them against all things un-Islamic. With one anomaly. Right or wrong, these youngs ended up venerating these religious heroes to cult like status, ready to do at will what is commanded them at the flick of a finger which explains the recent online spat splattered with blood spewing threats that led to the nationwide road block which beckons one to question if the curriculum and syllabus taught are deviant? If so, who are governing these kids?
Anything else is beyond the comprehension of the country. But if we tie these fundamentalists with the regressives, the potent may be lethal if and when exploited by ruthless racists and religious bigots who carelessly incite hatred for their own political gain. Because every Malay is a Muslim, it is futile for anyone of us to compromise their race and religion. The remedy, charismatic moderates learned enough to coax and allay their fear of progress through rightful interpretation of their holy books.
Statistics will reveal lot. And whoever wanted a more cautious explanation should scrutinise the statistics and make up of each state within every electoral constituency, weighted against age groups and margin of losing. Except for certain seats which in no uncertain way fell by a bigger margin to heavyweight candidates, it will be comforting to know that there are as many progressives as there are the regressives, staring at each other from the opposite side of the poles. Same religion, different outlook at life. Just what went wrong?
Many progressive city-folks have made good progress convincing their kampung elderly to embrace change; whilst the lest successful were chastised, resulting in family divides. But the hard question staring at us in the faces is are there anything to correct? Or should our Islamic and education ministry make more effort to monitor these schools besides devising newer curriculums and syllabuses to be placed directly under the purview of the respective sultans and governors whom constitutionally happens to be the rightful head of their religion? One thing is for sure. If the regressives and fundamentalists are comfortably left to themselves, sooner than later, these pseudo religious bigots will ruin and reign over our lives and our country will backslide in contrast to the wish of our Agong which is to unite and progress for a better Malaysia.
That’ll be unfortunate.
fiveloaf 