AS THE looming Deepavali festival is an ideal time of reckoning, perhaps Malaysian Indians should assess the viability of the proposal put forth by former de-facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim that the community should embrace “Malay leadership” to resolve their economic woes.
This comes about as the supposedly UMNO member with a Perikatan Nasional (PN) slant lamented that Indian leaders are seemingly incapable to render a solid solution to an array of hardship that the community encounters.
“Many Indians are from the middle and lower economic classes. I am comfortable with them. Fewer pretensions and they are always helpful,” he tweeted in his latest social media post.
“The only gripe I have is why the Indians rely too much on their Indian leaders to solve their economic woes. Even educational woes. MIC has some good leaders but as a group it’s weak. Give your trust to Malay leaders, too.”
Today I spent many hours at Brickfields. I feel comfortable with the Indians. I like the food, murukku and Muru the cooling drink you must have after curry. My best friend is an Indian across the Causeway
Many Indians are from the middle and lower economic classes. I am…
— Zaid Ibrahim (@zaidibrahim) October 2, 2023
Interestingly, the founder of Zaid Ibrahim & Co, the largest private law firm in Malaysia (which he no longer owns), reminded the Indian community that there are options available should they deem UMNO as unfit to help them.
“The Indian community should move on and support Malay leadership who can help them. If UMNO has become useless, give support to other Malay groups,” he suggested, apparently luring Indians to the “green side” vis-à-vis associate membership on Bersatu or the PAS’ Supporters’ Assembly (DHPP) a.k.a. non-Muslim wing.
“But UMNO can be salvaged if they suddenly realise they must have proper elections to pick the leaders. Together the Malays and the Indians can give a stronger push to protect their interests.”
However, Zaid who was with DAP for three years between 2017 and 2020 during which he was the DAP Kelantan chairman at one stage, felt that the Chinese are fine to stand on their own two feet.
“The Chinese are strong in their own right. They need no help from other communities. It’s the others who must help and collaborate,” he opined.
“That’s the story in Malaysia. Do you think the Malays/Indians can solve the price of essential items or the supply of rice and sugar on their own? Only by being together can the national issues be addressed meaningfully.” – Nov 3, 2023
Main pic credit: Astro Awani
