Multiracial or ‘multi-racist’?

[superadmin]

Malaysia has had an interesting few weeks and as usual, it all revolves around race.

First, we had the tourism minister demoting an allegedly underperforming director-general of tourism for the country. Instead of focusing the attention on the needs of the tourism sector in Malaysia, the narrative was spun as one where a robust ethnic Chinese minister overstepped his mark and sacked an ethnic Malay.

Then, we had the controversy of Bah Kut Teh, the world-famous herbal soup with meat. This dish is essentially a Malaysian concoction that deservingly got recognition as a national heritage food. Of course, the same ethnic Chinese tourism minister was the focal point for the vitriol. It caused much dissatisfaction with some Malaysians because prevalently, the soup uses pork, although there are multiple other versions with alternate sources of protein. The undercurrents of sinister racial narrowmindedness reared its ugly head once again.

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[superadmin]

Malaysia’s obsession with race and religion: a never-ending tragedy

More than six decades after independence, Malaysia remains ensnared in a toxic web of race and religion. This isn’t progress; it’s stagnation. No statesman has emerged to lead the nation beyond these divisive shackles. Instead, we’re stuck with a carousel of politicians recycling the same tired rhetoric, pandering to fears and prejudices to maintain their grip on power. It’s exhausting, infuriating, and ultimately pathetic.

Race, race, race—the drumbeat of the national narrative. As a brown-skinned Malaysian with both Hindu and Muslim ancestry, I’ve lived the divisiveness this obsession breeds. I’ve seen how it poisons relationships, stifles opportunities, and derails progress. Yet it remains the dominant force in politics and society. Why? Because it’s easier to keep people divided than to lead them towards unity and shared humanity.

Growing up in a mixed family taught me one undeniable truth: none of us chose our skin colour, ethnicity or the religion we were born into. Yet these arbitrary traits dictate our lives. Society refuses to move beyond this fixation, and our so-called leaders thrive on it.

If leadership were music, Malaysia’s record player would be stuck on the same worn-out tune—division, fear and empty promises.

The Madani government is no exception. It claims to bring change but operates with cowardice, seemingly more interested in internal politicking than addressing the rakyat’s frustrations. People are fed up and they openly say: “At least previous governments were openly corrupt—we knew what we were dealing with. This one operates in the shadows, doing things we can’t even fathom.”

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