Muhyiddin’s recent comments regarding 1Malay,1Bumi wasn’t surprising based on his past record of Malay first and Malaysia second. It would be surprising if this leader goes back against his stand which has to be seen as consistent. This is normal in politics, as most politicians will not try to play their trump card so as to keep their electorate guessing.
It is just like the Opposition opposes for the sake of opposing. That is also why the two-thirds majority is crucial for a ruling government, to ensure Laws and Policies are pushed through without too much opposition.
Muhyiddin is in the shadow of Najib, and he is not under pressure like Najib, and he enjoys being in his position just now, able to take pot shots here and there without being in the limelight. He also needs to be seen consistent with the Malay Electorate who sees him as a future President of UMNO. For him to change his stand doesn’t enhance his chances with the diehard fans of UMNO.
Secondly, he is second in line and ready to take over the Prime Ministership should Najib loses the mandate to continue. So biding his time, his cool demeanour and his low profile will ensure he won’t make any rash calls that will diminish his image, while waiting for the right time to take over the reins of power.
Even though he knows that the Chinese and Indians are a valuable asset to his future, anyone can do the math, that the Malay electorate far outweigh the others in terms of numbers. Going by BN’s consistent majority in the last fifty years, BN will continue to win with or without a two thirds majority. Either way is disastrous for Najib, so Muhyiddin's future seat is pretty safe.
Given Najib’s lacklustre performance, and the undeniable support dipping to the Opposition, UMNO is looking at Muhyiddin to recoup its losses and restore its image. And since Dr M and Najib have given opposing views of 1Malay,1Bumi it is only natural and accepted fact that other politicians in the same camp will have a differing view.
Although the Opposition sees 1Malay,1Bumi as a shocking anti-national drama, UMNO which fights primarily for the Malays sees nothing wrong to try and unify the Malays in whatever ways possible. Formerly relying on MCA, MIC and GERAKAN for support, UMNO now knows that its partners no longer have the undivided support of the electorate. Its desperation shows clearly.
If Malaysians fail to see that a divided racial community isn’t good for national integration, and if Malaysians continue to hold on to their past and refuse to give up its ideals for the common good of the nation, BN will continue to thrive in this environment. If Pakatan ever becomes the Ruling Coalition, a systematic dismantling of all race policies, from cultural, language and beliefs must be endorsed. Failing to do so, this country will never achieve its true potential.
So 1Malay,1Bumi comes about with a convenient excuse that the Chinese have united under DAP and abandoned BN.
It is fruitless for DAP or for that matter MCA and Gerakan to comment any further about this new development. PERKASA will go ahead no matter what just to split the vote, or conjure further ways to destabilise the already sensitive political climate.
It would be prudent for all parties to stop commenting on 1Malay,1Bumi movement, which may be once again be spinned as a racial slur. Once quietness reigns, it cannot fuel the raging fires of racism and it will fizzle out like all the controversies in the past.
The quietness will only frustrate the conjurors that thrive by the constant publicity it receives. And with PERKASA heading this body, one already knows how the future will turn out. Didn’t someone once said that PERKASA was a blessing in disguise for the Opposition?
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