Race no more a factor

Political analyst Dr Ong Kian Ming told theSun that the economy, corruption, cost of living and crime are at the top of Malaysian's minds, rather than their ethnic backgrounds. "Race may have been a factor in previous elections, but it is becoming less important," Ong said.
"Issues of security – crime, housing, income – which affect everyone, have become the focus. The elections will be won by the party that can deliver economic solutions," he added.


Ong was responding to a remark by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Malaysians have become more racist, and that the next GE will be all about "which race gets what".
Mahathir was quoted as saying during the 'Politics and Business: The Malaysian Con
nection' forum on Thursday, that Malaysia was now divided by race due to the sentiments of the people. "They want to be identified by their race, even if they have lost the connection with their country of origin," Mahathir had said.
Angkatan Amanah Merdeka (Amanah) vice-president Wan Saiful Wan Jan said while Malaysia has moved forward as a country, Mahathir has not.
"Slowly but surely, Malaysians have moved on, and no longer talk about race and race-based politics.
"The only people who stand to benefit from continuing to divide Malaysians along racial lines are the ethnic-based parties. Otherwise, they would have no reason to exist," he said.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Ethnic Studies Faculty principal research fellow Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria told theSun that the critical concerns for the next election is not so much as race or religion, but about good governance and responsible government.
"Rather than whipping up racial or religious sentiments, it is more relevant to analyse the concerns of national issues, such as the call for clean and fair elections, or to address corruption," he said.
"Concerns of good governance transcend ethnicity and religion," he added.
"In this perspective then, Mahathir's remarks are not very accurate. Grassroot struggles on quality of life, access to better jobs, income, safety, good health care, education and employment opportunities are more essential," Denison said.
Yayasan 1Malaysia board of trustees chairman Dr Chandra Muzaffar told theSun that ethnicity has always played a major role in the elections, which is expected in a multi-ethnic society. However, both sides of the political divide must go beyond seeing the impact of ethnicity as an "issue".
"Both sides should emphasise on inter-ethnic connection and communication with the view to enhance national unity," he stressed.