Revisiting the Social Contract: A Critical Analysis
The Notion of a Social Contract
The notion of a social contract has been used by some to override the provisions of the Federal Constitution, says Sabah activist and political commentator Johan Ariffin Samad, a member of the G25 group of prominent former civil servants.
The Concept of a Social Contract
Johan Samad explained that the "social contract" concept has been politically weaponised to compel non-Malays, especially East Malaysians, to honour it, although the so-called contract had nothing to do with the Borneo states. "It was a quid pro quo unwritten agreement between the leaders of the three major communities at that time in the Federation of Malaya. When Malaysia was formed, it had nothing to do with a social contract," he said.
The Borneo States’ Perspective
Johan Samad emphasized that Sabah and Sarawak are equal partners in forming Malaysia and helped to form the federation without the baggage of the social contract. "The social contract has been extended to the Borneo states unknowingly by default and as a researcher and writer, I hope to make many people in the Borneo states aware that rogue peninsula politicians are using the social contract to subjugate the Borneo states," he said.
The Disadvantages of the Social Contract
Johan Samad pointed out that these moves left the natives of Sabah and Sarawak clearly disadvantaged, as East Malaysians do not benefit from the New Economic Policy and other various national plans. "We are now in the 12th Malaysia Plan, but Sabah and Sarawak have the highest poverty rate since Malaysia was formed," he said.
A New Social Contract
Johan Samad suggested that the new social contract should be the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which the government has yet to fulfil. "The new social contract should be the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which the government has yet to fulfil," he said.
The Original Meaning of the Social Contract
Former Attorney-General Tommy Thomas echoed a similar sentiment, saying that the much-quoted idea of "social contract" has departed from its original meaning, rendering it meaningless. Thomas said the term "social contract" should be understood within the social conditions surrounding Malaya’s road to independence, which have changed significantly since Merdeka.
The Concept’s Origins
"The Social Contract" was originally the title of a book by 18th century French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It was revived in the 1980s by Umno politician Abdullah Ahmad who was also the first to publicly discuss the Ketuanan Melayu ideology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of a social contract has been used to justify the subjugation of the Borneo states and has led to the disadvantage of their native populations. It is essential to revisit the original meaning of the social contract and recognize the equal partnership of the Borneo states in forming Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the social contract?
A: The social contract is a concept that refers to an unwritten agreement between the leaders of the three major communities at the time of the formation of Malaysia.
Q: Who is Johan Ariffin Samad?
A: Johan Ariffin Samad is a Sabah activist and political commentator who is a member of the G25 group of prominent former civil servants.
Q: What is the Malaysia Agreement 1963?
A: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 is a historical agreement that formed the basis of the Malaysia that we know today.