Why should Malay Singaporeans feel threatened?
Dear Editor
I know The Straits Times will not publish this letter and that is the reason why I hope you can have it posted at your web page.
I refer to the letter by Mr. Ismail Kassim, published in The Straits Times Forum Page on 10th March, 2001.
Though I would very much like to admit that Mr. Ismail has written very well and brought up some "good" points, but if we are to read between the lines, it appears that Mr. Ismail has projected unnecessary worries and, probably, a personal agenda against the government's policies.
I am a first generation Singaporean and having lived here all of my 54 years, cannot understand why only the Malay Singaporeans should make so much noise about they being sidelined by the government when the other races seem contended and could live happily here.
If the other minority races, especially those from the Indian Subcontinents, can live satisfactorily and in harmony with the Chinese Singaporeans, why should the Malays feel they have been ignored, or even threatened?
The next question that readily comes to mind is, what do the Malays really want?
If they compared the special privileges accorded to the Malays across the Causeway and wanted our government to also offer them land and a bigger share of the nation's wealth, then they are overly selfish and ambitiously insensitive to the other races.
Let us not forget that Singapore is just a tiny "Red Dot" without any natural resources, unlike our neighbouring country. Therefore, it is ridiculous, even preposterous, to even think about it.
Also, what authority, and what proof, does Mr. Ismail had to conclude that the Malays have become cynical and begun to believe they are not as equal as their fellow Singaporeans?
Surely, it is not the SAF policy. Neither was it the immigration policy.
To me, I think it has to be their own doing. Where were they when our neighbours across the Causeway bombarded us with all kinds of accusations? Did Mr. Ismail and his Malay brethren spoke up for Singapore, or wrote to the newspapers in defense of our integrity and honour?
If the Malay Singaporeans, like other fellow Singaporeans, think that they are equal, then they have to do their part. Stand up and be counted in the face of adversity.
It will not do any good to the likes of Mr. Ismail to write to the press when the storm is over, to complain about inequality and non recognition.
By the way, is there any wrong in having more Chinese in Singapore, Mr. Ismail?
The other races practised family planning and some even stopped at one. Whereas, the Malays cannot practise family planning because of their religious believe and they have more offsprings than any other race. So, what is wrong with having more Indians or Chinese in Singapore?
Thank you.