MCA Youth notes PMX Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again, provided an explanation to the public on the Bumiputera quota system in education, and as to why it cannot be replaced overnight with a system based on meritocracy.
However, the manner in which the premier replied a question posed by a student during a dialogue session at Kolej Matrikulasi Pulau Pinang in Kepala Batas caught many by surprise.
This is because Malaysians, in particularly, youths, were very excited and held high hopes in Anwar Ibrahim as a leader who touched base with the rakyat. Branded as a reformist and, as the initiator of Malaysia Madani, he projected values and announced policies that would be inclusive of every layer of society regardless of race and religion.
What happened last Saturday does not seem to reflect how Anwar is usually portrayed ie a humble leader who listens to the voices of the rakyat regardless of age; one who is open and gives space to anyone in the spirit of democracy, and a visionary leader who looks far ahead and defends the fates of the diverse communities in Malaysia.
Like others who held high hopes, MCA Youth had expected the Prime Minister to respond in a calm, engaging and professional manner given his status as a statesman. Was it necessary to interrupt and talk down the student’s question and clarification attempt? The young lass had only raised a question in the minds of many to a Prime Minister well renowned for his years of Reformasi struggle.
To affected students, MCA Youth sympathises with what happened. It is hoped that the experience will make you more mature and courageous and who will became an outstanding community leader one day.
What is DAP’s current position on their Setapak Declaration?
At the same time, MCA Youth once again urges DAP to clarify its position on the Setapak Declaration. To quote from the Setapak Declaration: “_The Setapak Declaration affirms DAP’s viewpoint that in the process of nation-building, ethnic equality must be made the paramount principle, and it is upon this principle that the separation of citizens into ‘Bumiputra’ and ‘non- Bumiputra’ is strongly opposed_.”
Recalling DAP’s strategy of yore, the Rocket as an opposition party then, had weaponised the Bumiputera quota system against Malaysians, in particular the Chinese community, to detest MCA. Since Independence and up till now, MCA upholds the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and live by the Principles of the Rukun Negara to maintain national unity and harmony.
Presently, the words by PM Anwar who is also the Pakatan Harapan Chairman are consistent with the words of the former Prime Minister, whereby the quota system aims to maintain harmony, enable opportunities for disadvantaged groups while not negating opportunities for students of other communities who genuinely deserve it.
Therefore, the question now is: Does DAP accept the Prime Minister’s explanation, or will the Rocket persist in their “_principle that the separation of citizens into ‘Bumiputra’ and ‘non- Bumiputra’ is strongly opposed_” as outlined in their Setapak Declaration, which up till today, is easily accessible on their DAP website.
If DAP rescinds its Setapak Declaration, apologising to their voters and supporters will indicate sincere contrition for having misled them in the past to scoop their support and votes.
Ryan Ho Kwok Xheng
MCA Youth Spokesperson
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Agenda Daily.