[转载]新加坡马来人给马来西亚马来社会的忠告

THE MALAYSIAN MALAY
by Dr Syed Alwi of Singapore

Dear Editor,

As you know, I am an avid watcher of Malaysian affairs. I must confessthat lately, Malaysia appears to be failing. Not a day passes by without more events that clearly highlight Malaysia 's race-religion fault-line. If things keep going this way, I fear for Malaysia 'sfuture.

Today, schools in Singapore celebrate Racial Harmony Day. I can visibly see the joy in the children's faces as they wear their ethnic costumes and have fun together at school. But in Malaysia - even theright to choose a religion has become a sensitive, national issue. No doubt, there are many in Malaysia who hate my liberal views on Islam,family included. But I will say what I must say openly. I have come tothe conclusion that Malaysia cannot progress any further without first addressing fundamental questions regarding its identity and soul.

I remember the days when we can laugh at Lat's cartoons on everydayMalaysian life. But sadly, the Islamic tide has polarised Malaysians. Some people ask why I should bother about Malaysian affairs since I ama Singaporean. May I remind Malaysians that it was Tan Siew Sin whoonce said that Singapore and Malaysia are Siamese Twins. ShouldMalaysia go down - it would hurt the region tremendously. Especially Singapore ..

Where do you think Malay apostates would head for if Lina Joy losesher case? Singapore of course! I find the Malaysian Malay to be veryunder-exposed. For them, it's all Islam and the NEP and everything under the sun would sort itself out. I am sorry to say this - butIslam and the NEP may be the cause of the undoing of the MalaysianMalay.

There is nothing wrong with religion or affirmative action. But, like everything else in life, they must be taken in moderation and with apinch of salt. A little doubt is good. Unfortunately in Malaysia ,emotions over Islam have overcome reason. What we see today is theresult of the NEP and Islamisation policies of the past thirty years or so.

No one owes Malaysian Malays a living. Let me assure you that shouldMalaysia fail - the Malaysian Malay will suffer enormously. Andrightly so. After all - they have been pampered with all sorts of goodies over the years. They cannot now expect more goodies. Perhapsthe day of reckoning for them, is near. Whatever it is, Malaysia hadbetter wake up to the realities around her. The globalised world ofthe 21st century has no NEP to offer the Malaysian Malay. And humans cannot live by religion alone.

Regards,
Dr Syed Alwi