Malay, Malaysian...what's the difference?

What does it mean to be a Malaysian? Does it matter what language you speak, what your skin colour is, or what race you are? Well, it matters a lot if you’re a Malay, because according to Article 153 of the Malaysian Constitution, you are the one of the ‘chosen’ ones.

Before going any deeper into the subject, let’s get one thing straight. Who exactly is a Malay? I spent a fair amount of time on Google, and these are what makes a Malay.

- Malaysian citizen born to a Malaysian citizen who professes to be a Muslim
- Habitually speaks the Malay language
- Adheres to Malay customs
- Resides in Malaysia

If you have all the above, congrats! You’re a Malay, welcome aboard!

Now let’s check out what you get.

Article 153 explains the rights and privileges of the Malays (and the bumiputera). Among other things,

- quotas for entry into the civil service
- more opportunities for entry into public education
- higher chances of getting public scholarships
- allocation of extensive Malay land reservations

It started out when Malaya gained independence, the Malays were doubtful of the loyalty of non-Malays towards Malaya. Capiche? Therefore, in order for the non-Malays to be granted citizenship, the rights of the Malays had to be protected.

It is also considered as a social contract. One particular blogger uses a simple analogy to describe the situation- you can stay in my house, but any privilege to watch television should be given to me first, as I am the owner.

Maybe that was the right decision to be made during that time. But fast forward 50 years, some things have changed. It doesn’t help that some politicians make statements and decisions, in the name of the 'constitution'.

It might be time to look into the article, maybe some changes can be made for the benefit of all. I believe everyone deserves the right to receive education. How about the implementation of the regulations, are they effective? Heard of Ali Baba, anyone? Nope, it’s not Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves that I’m referring to here.

It is true that Article 153 protects the Malays, but maybe we don’t need that much protection? Or else when others are already running, we’re still trying to figure out how to crawl. What do you think?