Be truly independent – stop talking of extending affirmative action

Malaysia faces challenges, but the author does not wish to address them personally. They are willing to be understanding towards those who genuinely strive to improve the situation, but only those with noble intentions. The author acknowledges that few possess such virtues and, therefore, they are not overwhelmed by the responsibility of accommodating them.

Recently, some voices have raised concerns about the sustainability of affirmative action programmes, which have been central to Malaysia's political landscape. However, these opinions are primarily expressed by individuals on the fringes of national politics. Their proposals often involve gradual withdrawal or adjustments to the existing schemes.

Some even argue for maintaining "meritocracy" alongside ongoing affirmative action, particularly because Malays may not be prepared to abandon these benefits just yet. The author criticizes the notion of "meritocracy," as it often serves to protect the privileges of a select few, regardless of their background. Instead, they advocate for targeted affirmative action, directed towards those who truly need support.

The author is personally a recipient of earlier affirmative action measures, which have greatly benefited them. However, they emphasize that the initial New Economic Policy (NEP), set to expire in 1990, was not an optimistic prediction, as many Malays were still living in isolated areas lacking basic amenities like electricity, schools, or hospitals.

The NEP's ultimate goal of transforming centuries of neglect within one generation proved unrealistic. Although sending young Malays to university is possible, the transition to a competitive, capitalistic mindset is complex and poses risks to the positive qualities inherent in Malay culture. As the NEP's beneficiaries, many Malays have become accustomed to advantages that they fear losing.

Behind this mindset lies a deeper insecurity—rooted in centuries of colonization and submission to feudal lords. The author acknowledges that affirmative actions have helped, but they also recognize the negative consequences. The support provided by affirmative actions has become a crutch that the nation finds difficult to dispense with, and the fear of facing challenges without them is pervasive.

This insecurity has led to the entrenchment of privileges, turning temporary concessions into permanent rights. The author highlights that much of the discourse around rights and privileges for Malays is driven by political manipulation, exacerbated by the fear of facing the harsh realities of a level playing field. This insecurity has been institutionalized and ingrained in the collective psyche, leading to the manifestation of privileges as rights and the perpetuation of outdated expectations.

The author criticizes recent calls to increase the share of corporate wealth held by Malays from 30% to 50%. Such a proposal, they argue, is not driven by a genuine aspiration for advancement but rather serves to benefit a select group of Malay elites seeking to accumulate more wealth through political means. This approach may result in a concentration of corporate wealth among cronies and state-linked companies (GLCs), further widening the wealth gap.

While this might create more Malay billionaires, it also risks leaving many Malays struggling to make ends meet. The author fears that the pursuit of a higher percentage of corporate wealth for Malays will not be achieved, as it would be difficult to maintain such a massive expansion without exhausting the nation's resources. Consequently, many Malays would continue to face financial hardships, and the overall economy could suffer.

The author urges Malays to embrace self-reliance and independence, rather than relying on crutches that limit their growth and perpetuate a cycle of dependency. By celebrating national independence, Malays should strive to break free from the shackles of fear and insecurities that have long plagued them. Only by cultivating a mindset of self-reliance can they truly achieve genuine independence, both personally and collectively, free from the constraints of a racially based system.