Antara tak malu dan tak tahu malu

In Malay, the term 'not feeling shame' traditionally refers to someone who lacks education or is uneducated. However, in modern times, I have observed Malay people in this category being referred to as 'not feeling shame'. I apologize, I am not trying to insult or demean our nation, but when I see the reactions to issues like Tabung Haji, a former three-time PM being charged in court, and now Felda, I see the two largest Malay groups merely drawing attention to themselves.

They continue to come up with creative reasons such as dishonoring the Malay race, choosing actions, and the agenda to undermine Islam in Malaysia. In my view, if Malays want to be the leaders in the concept of Malay supremacy, they must have high expectations and key performance indicators (KPIs). When expectations and KPIs are not met, there should be a feeling of shame and a statement to improve the situation in the future.

I recall Dr. M's reaction when he was PM for the first time. At that time, there was a nationwide or Kuala Lumpur-wide power outage, I am not sure. The supply of electricity kept fluctuating for one night as I am not sure. The next day, things were fixed and the electricity was restored again. On television, I saw Dr. M's face looking pale and slightly 'angry', but his words still echoed in my ears.

When asked by reporters about his reaction to the incident, he looked at the camera seriously and the 'embarrassed' feeling, and said, 'I am ashamed!' Just one line, a very short one. I am ashamed. When we read a book like 'A Doctor in the House' by Dr. M, we will admire his work ethic and hands-on approach. Unlike his previous boss Tun Hussein Onn who didn't appreciate him much, Dr. M would descend to the field to see the real problems firsthand.

He once went to the factory to see the production issues. He walked to see streetlights and would ask why some were not working. People who usually gossip are usually Malay people who become the municipal mayor or Yang Di Pertua. I have also heard stories from my colleagues in Pakatan Harapan from 2018 to 2020. They said everyone was busy after Dr. M brought out his little black book and started accusing them of corruption or knowing it.

Usually, relevant ministers would be silent, jot down notes, and seem to WhatsApp relevant officials to take immediate action. That is Dr. M's culture. He believed in knowledge-based and hard work, and putting in full effort. Failure is not an option. This is what I respect about Malaysians. Dr. M's 'I am ashamed' statement means he takes responsibility, even though he is not the one managing power supplies and electricity.

However, unlike other leaders who might say 'this is a learning curve for the Malay party' or 'I don't see any government corruption issues here, maybe it's just a lightning strike', Dr. M took full responsibility with the statement 'I am ashamed'. Malaysians today, whether wearing a songkok or a white shirt, I see only one shame I can tolerate.

What's the point? Even if they wear a songkok or white shirt, I see only one shame I can tolerate. When the Tabung Haji RCI shows the management issues of a Malay entity, the Malay leaders busy themselves discussing it, quoting Quranic verses, trying to undermine Malay pride. This is how they undermine Malay pride now. How can we Malays feel ashamed?

Even among other Malays in WhatsApp groups, there are no discussions about the Tabung Haji RCI, and even in mamak stalls, it's the same. Later, we see a truly unique view. Three former prime ministers facing charges of humiliating the nation, of course. This is what I have seen in social media. Many posts praise the flag being reversed, and many issues about DAP are endless, what more.

There is one Malay party ready to take over federal government. Calendars of prime ministers and replacements, portfolios available or not, important or not, it's their main agenda. So, my friends, if Malays are not ashamed of corruption, gambling, and creative accounting, what should we expect from our Malay leaders in these two largest parties?

It seems that only those who are Muslims can lead all important ministries related to Muslims. Whatever happens in education, health, or poverty eradication, the Malay leader's foundation is only for Muslims. As for the forests or roads, they can be left to non-Malays. This seems to be their main foundation. So, my friends, if Malays are not ashamed of their mistakes in corruption, gambling, and creative accounting, what can we expect from our Malay leaders in these two largest parties?