Could Malaysia have a Prime Minister from a minority group too?

After Barack Obama was elected the first black President of the United States, the world has been widely discussed about it. Could Malaysia have a Prime Minister from a minority group too? Some politicians prevailed over all dissenting views and said that Malaysia and the United States should not be mentioned in the same breath as "the United States has no social contract".

There are two major issues involved here. First, what does it mean by a "social contract"? Second, does the United States have a "social contract"?

For the first question, people would naturally think of French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau's Social Contract Theory written in 1762. It is recognised as one of the greatest works in the Eighteenth Century and having the most far-reaching impact on history. Rousseau advocated that sovereignty should be in the hands of the people. The idea has become the cornerstone of modern democracy.

"Does social contract have an existence value? Of course it does."
As for the second question, although many critics think that "contract" is merely a hypothesis but they agree that the policy and system of pursuing economic and personal goals are the social contract of the United States. While the country's "Declaration of Democracy" and Constitution have reflected the democratic idea of the Social Contract Theory.

Does social contract have an existence value? Of course it does. But it is not rigid and cannot be reviewed, re-interpreted and communicated. Those who are clinging to the so-called "principle of invariance", please allow me to tell you a fable.

There is a very special kingdom that believes in a very special custom. Anyone in state dinners must eat only the top part of any dish instead of rummaging through it. Otherwise, it is considered as a betrayal to the king and could be beheaded.

One day, a country's ambassador came for a visit and the king hosted a dinner as usual. The first dish was a fish covered in spices. When the ambassador push aside the spices and wish to eat the fish, all courtiers cried:

"How could you be so rude? It is an insult to our king! Your Majesty, please immediately put him to death!"

"Oh...," the King sighed, he looked sorry and said: "As for the good relationship between your country and mine, I would allow a special request from you before you are sentenced to death. You have my promise."

The ambassador was shocked at first but soon calmed down. He thought for a while and said: "Your Majesty, I would like to have a little request. I want to see eyes of those who saw me rummaging the dish being removed before I die."

Everyone, just as you have expected, dared not admit that they have seen the ambassador rummaging the dish. The ambassador was save and returned home.

The moral of the story is that once it touches on self-interest, it's convenient to keep one eye close.

By LIM MUN FAH/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)
MySinchew
2008.11.20