While Umno Youth was recently busy protesting against Israel's attack on Lebanon, they have been extremely silent on the state of ‘apartheid’ in Malaysia. We claim to be a democratic nation, yet we have very unfair laws that discriminate against non-Malays.
I do not use the word non-bumiputeras because the word implies that we are not children of the soil which I definitely am. I was born and bred here. I am a law-abiding citizen paying my taxes, casting my vote, parking properly, throwing rubbish only into garbage bins, teaching my children to be honest and to 'love thy neighbour as thy self'. So why am I not a bumiputera?
Does it matter who came first or who came second to this country? As long as we are citizens, all should be treated fairly. The quota system should be abolished, we should revert back to our Rukun Negara of which one of main objectives is the eradication of poverty and the restructuring of society irrespective of race.
Why is Ummo Youth not talking about or protesting against all the discrimination against Malaysia's own citizens who happen be non-Malays through no fault of theirs? Why are most government jobs being filled by bumiputeras? Even if non-bumis are taken in, why are they not promoted according to merit? Why are most scholarships going to bumis only?
As a single parent, I have to work 10 hours a day, 365 days a year to put both my intelligent children through university. True charity of heart should begin at home. We should not be hypocrites. Mental-bashing is equally bad and non-bumi Malaysians are forced to pretend to live in harmony with our other brothers and sisters.
We cannot sell pork at open places or markets, we do not serve liquor or pork if Malays are invited to a function, no food is served in school canteens during the ‘puasa’ month, yet we allow beef carcasses to be displayed and sold openly ( I am a vegetarian and against all animal slaughter). Beef dishes are also served at all Malay functions even if Hindus and Buddhists are invited while non-Malay children have to go without meals or meals from homes during the fasting month.
It is an offence to spread non-Muslim religious teachings to Muslims, yet Muslims can teach, spread and convert non-Muslims to Muslims. Why are the basic human rights of non-Malays being totally ignored?
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Thus, Indians and Chinese work even harder to succeed. As for the poor Indians who are the most marginalised among the major races in Malaysia, hardcore crime seem to be the only option.
All religions teach us to live in harmony and to be fair to everyone, so why is this not being practiced here? Why do we claim to be a democracy when we are an ‘apartheid’ country? Yet I continue to be a good citizen.
I may not put up a flag on Merdeka Day flag, not until true independence prevails for all Malaysians. Neither will I be like all those patriots who put up flags on buildings and cars, yet wind down their windows and throw rubbish onto the roads or back yards.
Malaysian Chinese
via email
28/05/08
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