Special or privilege? -updated-

A dear friend of mine introduced an interesting blog to me recently. From the legend of Hang Tuah to current Malaysia political issues, this blog has caught my attention for the last few days and of course for the next more days and weeks in the future.

His latest entry on Malay’s Special Rights, NEP, equality, meritocracy, sacrifice…hmm…my sentiments exactly!

“Special Rights does not mean you are special and have the right to do anything that pleases you. It is a PRIVILEGE attained by our Malay forefathers for their future generations – us. It means, we have to work hard so that we can justify the continuation of that privilege. Article 153 will have no meaning if the majority of Malays are poor, unintelligent, exploited and downtrodden in their own country, while only the lucky few are draped in wealth” – JMD

Yes,  we the Malays are indeed ungrateful and blind to realise what the Special Rights are for. I read the newspaper today. PKR who is extremely loud with their ‘fair Bangsa Malaysia’ slogan proposing to open UITM to all races so that all ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ have the EQUAL right to pursue higher education not based on races but by meritocracy. Eventhough it is for only 10%, soon before we realise, they will ask for more..15%..20%…50%..100% ? PKR should know that even by not opening UITM to the Non-Bumi, thousands  of them are studying overseas because they are wealthy to do so. Not to forget private colleges and local private universities are already packed with the non-Bumis. As for  the Malays (Bumiputera), PKR should  understand by heart UITM is the only place where Malays can go to, the only higher institution in the WORLD that will accept the Malays despite their poor background, poor academic performance and result!  Ever wonder why the tuition fees are DEAD CHEAP in the UITM? But it’s still proven difficult for the Malays to pay! Studying overseas? of course we can with the Government scholarship and the Malays quota. Studying overseas on our own pocket money? We cannot afford them. We are still poor, remember? Not dirt poor, but what can an average family with an income of RM2000 and 6 children do? The suggestion to open the UITM to the Non-Bumi is suicidal to our race at our current state. Giving away the 10% allocation means there will be 10% of  Bumiputera out there (who suppose to be in the UITM and whose right have just been ripped off) left with only SPM certificate on their hands trying and struggling to make  a living. Thousands of graduates are unemployed these days..what will happen to  an 18 year-old Malay girl with SPM ? The majority (Malays) is still weak and poor to compete in a FAIR competition. And I AM ASHAMED to say it out loud As for PKR, what a pity…many high class, educated Malays in the party but so soon they forget the struggle of other Malays in our beloved country. I urge MB Selangor to read the purpose of ITM  (now UITM) establishment first before making such a blunt statement!

Again, I agree with JMD, we cannot pamper the Bumiputera forever. And the Malays will not be poor forever!

“On another note, I do not presume that the NEP should stay on forever, but in the wake of the global economic uncertainty, I humbly submitted that most Malays are not ready to face NEP-less Malaysia for not another 20 years. We should start afresh with the new batch of Malay children born today. Proper education, balanced support from government, fair rewards for success and punishment for failures should be installed. Then, in 20 years time, they are ready to compete in an equal playground.” -JMD

And I find JMD letter to TDM is very touching and personal to me too…