So, the Government says 18.9%, and then ASLI says, no,no...45%. While the rest of the country is wondering which of the two percentages published is the right one, the Government has come out full force to say that "sensitive" discussions which may touch on "racial issues" should not be held in order to avoid "racial tensions".
Sigh.
Racial tensions. That word never leaves us as it is a blanket term that everytime there is a discussion which may show that the Malays are unfairly favoured over the other races, everyone is hushed and stopped from saying anything about it. So when ASLI published its report that Bumiputra equity have in effect EXCEEDED the 30% target and have reached a record high of 45%, the Government panicked. UH-OH...NOW how do we justify handing out "freebies" and favouring the Malays under the NEP if the public believes the percentage given by ASLI?
Given that the rationale behind the NEP is EQUAL distribution of wealth in the country, the fact that the Malays are still given priority and obtaining tenders (without even having to submit anything, they are THAT good!) and given ample opportunities in order to better themselves, really defeats the whole purpose. Perhaps it is just meant for equal distribution of wealth among the Malays only. After all, the percentage of poor Malay folks are high in Terrenganu and Kelantan (gee, I wonder why). So one does wonder whether the NEP, the Budget or anything coined "for Malaysians" actually do benefit any other race other than the dominant ones.
It is easy for the Government to rubbish the ASLI report and to tell everyone not to question the report produced by the Government. After all, this is in tandem with their transparent and openness policy. Oh wait, it isnt. But oh you know, every other policy has its small print which says something entirely different. So on the issue of transparency which our beloved PM advocates, it is more like, every year, some has been politician will be "prosecuted" for "corruption". And then the nation will rise and give a thunderous applause to the Government for a job well done in fighting corruption and sticking to its promise of transparency and openness.
Then they come up with ideas such as sticking "SAYA ANTI RASUAH" badges on police and then say, look at us! We are weeding out corruption!
But when it comes to the important issues, such as revealing the methodology of the reports and how the facts and figures came about and whether it something which is justified especially when there are contradictory evidence, all the transparency and openness must give way to avoid the Almighty "RACIAL TENSIONS". Its reminds me of what my friend told me the other day, "My gwailo friend says, ALL roads in KL lead to Ipoh.." As in this case, ALL issues lead to racial tensions.
Double sigh.
If indeed the Bumiputra equity has exceeded the 30% as targetted, it is time to stop all these giving culture and start creating a competitive economy. Where there are genuine forces, where there is fair play in business. Where when a company obtains a job, people dont huddle around and say, "Oh, you knowlah, he is Bumiputra what. Sure he is going to get it. Why bother fighting for the job at all?" and instead they KNOW that the company obtained it fair and square because he was the best.
If only the Government can change its mindset. If only the PM starts to be the PM of all Malaysians (other races included) and start noticing that if these giving culture does not stop, it will be hard to stop the rot once it has gone too far. Everyone should be given a fair chance. No race is superior and no race should be made superior.
After all, not ALL roads lead to Ipoh....
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