YOURSAY | Race-based politics is here to stay

Race-based politics remains a persistent force in Malaysian politics, according to experts. Director of the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap), Woon King Chai, asserts that identity politics and racial divisions have permeated every aspect of governance, education, and political systems since Dr Mahathir Mohamad's first premiership. He notes that costs of living, corruption, and service delivery are secondary issues to this entrenched structure.

Malaysian political parties, including PAS and DAP, continue to leverage race-based themes in their campaigns, despite economic concerns. For instance, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang refers to non-Malays as "pendatang," while Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh displays a lack of sensitivity in the face of racial tensions. Critics argue that voters are more swayed by race and religion than by economic factors, as evidenced by the success of PAS candidates in Malay-majority seats and DAP candidates in Chinese-majority seats.

Some observers, like Milshah, argue that race-based politics is here to stay, citing the "green wave" myth as fear-mongering. They propose thought experiments, such as a PAS candidate contesting in a Chinese-majority area and a DAP candidate in a Malay-majority area, to demonstrate the enduring power of identity politics. These scenarios suggest that the political landscape remains deeply divided along racial lines, and economic issues are secondary to racial and religious divisions.

However, not all Malaysians subscribe to this view. Some, like Citizen22, acknowledge that race-based politics is prevalent among Malaysians but argue that it is not exclusive to any particular group. They emphasize the need for economic management, balanced race relations, and policies that appeal to all communities. Despite this, many Malaysians still view politicians as the source of racism, rather than the general public.

Ultimately, the persistence of race-based politics in Malaysian politics highlights the need for a conscious effort to bridge racial and religious divides and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.