Who is the ‘Common Enemy’ of the Malay Community?

A Perception of a Non-Malay Threat

If you, like me, are a non-Malay, you could be forgiven for thinking that you are the Malay community’s “common enemy”.

A Group of Leaders Unite

This is because two former prime ministers, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin, as well as a former Umno warlord Annuar Musa along with a group of other leaders have come together to “ensure that the Malays do not lose power”, which according to them, is taking place under Anwar Ibrahim’s watch.

A Misconception

Really? It is both funny and unsettling how far from the truth this narrative that the Malays are losing power is.

A Look at Malaysia’s Prime Ministers

Malaysia’s prime ministers, from the first to the current one, have been Malay.

The only occasions when a non-Malay occupied the post were when MIC’s VT Sambanthan and MCA’s Ling Liong Sik were made acting prime minister.

A Brief History

Sambanthan served as acting prime minister for 10 days from Aug 3, 1973 when then prime minister Razak Hussein and his deputy were out of the country.

In Ling’s case, it was because of a leadership tussle within Umno, the very party that Mahathir had headed.

The ‘Common Enemy’ Remains Unnamed

I still don’t know if I am because these so-called leaders do not have the courage to name the “common enemy” and prefer to beat around the bush instead, which in itself is proof of their cowardice.

A Hint of Who They Mean

Nonetheless, remarks that some of these leaders have made in the past do give you an idea of who they mean when they talk about the common enemy.

Conclusion

It is imperative for these leaders to come clean and name the “common enemy” if they are serious about protecting Malay power. The lack of transparency and honesty only serves to fuel speculation and mistrust.

FAQs

Q: Who are the leaders who claim that the Malays are losing power?
A: Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Muhyiddin Yassin, Annuar Musa, and a group of other leaders.

Q: Who have been Malaysia’s prime ministers?
A: All of Malaysia’s prime ministers, from the first to the current one, have been Malay.

Q: When have non-Malays occupied the post of prime minister?
A: Only two occasions: when MIC’s VT Sambanthan and MCA’s Ling Liong Sik were made acting prime minister.

Q: Why did Ling Liong Sik become acting prime minister?
A: Due to a leadership tussle within Umno, the very party that Mahathir had headed.