Umbrella Body of Malay NGOs: Symbolic but Not Practical

PETALING JAYA: A Critical Analysis

P Ramasamy, the chairman of the Indian-based Urimai party, has expressed skepticism about the proposal by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to form an umbrella body comprising all Malay and Bumiputera societies. According to Ramasamy, the proposal is more symbolic than practical and is unlikely to yield significant results.

Fractured Internal Dynamics and Dependence on PAS

Ramasamy believes that Muhyiddin’s proposal is an attempt to shore up Bersatu’s political standing due to the party’s waning influence. However, he points out that Bersatu’s fractured internal dynamics and its dependence on PAS make it unlikely to achieve significant results.

Disagreements and Political Friction

Ramasamy cites the recent disagreement between Bersatu and PAS on the choice of a Perikatan Nasional candidate for prime minister as an example of the political friction within the coalition. He argues that even if Malay NGOs were to unite, such an alliance would not automatically benefit Bersatu or Perikatan Nasional.

Lack of Understanding of Socio-Political Dynamics

Ramasamy contends that Muhyiddin lacks an understanding of the socio-political dynamics that enabled Chinese NGOs to consolidate under the Dong Zong education group. He believes that Chinese NGOs came together in response to perceived existential threats to their cultural and language rights, whereas Malay NGOs exist within a different paradigm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ramasamy believes that Muhyiddin’s proposal for an umbrella body of Malay NGOs is unlikely to yield significant results. Instead, he suggests that Muhyiddin should focus on more inclusive strategies to strengthen Bersatu and build bridges with other parties.

FAQs

* What is the main argument against Muhyiddin’s proposal for an umbrella body of Malay NGOs?
+ The proposal is more symbolic than practical and is unlikely to yield significant results due to Bersatu’s fractured internal dynamics and dependence on PAS.
* Why did Muhyiddin propose an umbrella body of Malay NGOs?
+ To shore up Bersatu’s political standing due to the party’s waning influence.
* What is the key difference between Chinese NGOs and Malay NGOs, according to Ramasamy?
+ Chinese NGOs came together in response to perceived existential threats to their cultural and language rights, whereas Malay NGOs exist within a different paradigm as the dominant ethnic and cultural group in Malaysia.
* What does Ramasamy suggest Muhyiddin should focus on instead?
+ More inclusive strategies to strengthen Bersatu and build bridges with other parties.