A theory on why Malays accept corrupt leaders

Many Malays pay little or no tax, so they do not see the impact of corruption on public funds. For example, university graduates earn around RM4,000 per month and contribute only a few ringgit in taxes, while high-earning non-Malays pay four times more. The majority of Malays work in government, and salaries are paid monthly, so they remain unaffected by corruption draining large sums of money.

Civil servants and Malay businessmen are rarely informed that their wages and development funds come from taxes paid by non-Malays employed outside government, so they do not feel the burden of national debt. Islamic education and teachings often downplay corruption, focusing instead on moral issues like alcohol and gambling. Some religious teachers justify corruption by claiming it is not punishable under hudud because it is absent from classical fiqh texts.

Malays also receive benefits such as haj trips and kitchen aids from Malay parties, without questioning the source of funds. The fear of DAP ruling is another classic reason for Malays to support Malay or Islamic parties, as they believe it is their religious duty to prevent DAP from winning and ensure heaven.