Racial and class divisions in Malaysia, shown up so vividly in the parliamentary and state elections, will surely hamper the nation’s progress, despite bountiful endowments and the enterprise of its people. Courage to acknowledge that and the political will to make necessary adjustments to policy and governing principles are more likely to bring Malaysia a level of prosperity and social harmony it deserves to have.

In all first-past-the-post electoral systems, it is prudent to not just focus on outcomes but also on just what the vote was about. The ruling coalition’s loss of the popular vote and the defeat of right-wing candidates suggest public disillusionment with the old political compact. Are fair-minded Malaysians saying they do not want to be living separate lives any more but wish to make a virtue of their differences because, together, they can accomplish so much more? Certainly, ethnic diversity can be a strength if harnessed wisely. In such a milieu, reform in ideology and administration cannot be put off much longer.

In preparing to form a government, Prime Minister Najib Razak has hinted he would be less beholden to partisan interests, as he sets out to address grievances raised in the campaign. It is important that his message of moderation and inclusiveness in being prime minister “to all Malaysians” is not drowned out in the post-election din. He said he would get to grips with corruption, crime and urban living costs, which his handlers conceded accounted for the urban swing among Chinese and Indian voters and sizeable numbers of middle-class Malays.

A proposal to form a ministry devoted to urban affairs is tacit acceptance that mainly Chinese urban centers cannot be taken for granted while resources are channelled into rural communities. The race tilt in allocations of scholarships, business contracts and government jobs has been a long-standing grievance. This has to be adjusted sensitively to carry the support of the two-thirds Malay majority. It will also help engender public confidence in Najib’s administration if allegations of vote irregularities are not airily ignored.

As always, the leader of Umno, as the linchpin of the Barisan Nasional coalition, answers to multifarious factions in his party, many of which regard any move towards a more balanced accommodation with other races as a dilution of Malay entitlement. It will be a test of nerves for PM Najib to change old thinking while emotions are still raw and with party elections due.

Progressive Umno leaders have shown courage in owning up to the divided state of the country. Much can be accomplished collectively if they can next promote fearlessly the belief that a demonstrable multiracial approach to maximize the nation’s advantages is the better way forward. Setting the right tone now will help all to hunker down and focus on the tasks at hand.

(The Straits Times)

(Asia News Network)