15-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) As Malaysia celebrates its 60th anniversary on September 16th, the country finds itself at a crossroads. While Malaysia has enjoyed relative stability and economic progress compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, deep divisions have emerged over the country’s future direction.
When Malaysia was formed in 1963, it brought together the Malay Peninsula with the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak. This diverse federation of ethnic Malays, Chinese, Indians and indigenous groups was always going to be challenging to govern. After the 1969 riots, Malaysia pursued a system of “Ketuanan Melayu” or Malay supremacy to maintain stability. This involved providing special privileges to the majority Malay population.
This system largely held for decades under the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government. But in 2018, the nonagenarian Mahathir Mohamad led the opposition to a shock victory over BN. After a period of political turbulence, Anwar Ibrahim formed a unity government in late 2022 comprising his Pakatan Harapan coalition, BN and parties from Borneo.
The Rise of Political Islam
The recent election marked the rise of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), now the largest party in parliament with 49 seats. This “green wave” of political Islam has been reinforced by PAS’ strong showing in August’s state elections. The results indicate growing support for PAS’ vision of establishing Malaysia as a full-fledged Islamic state governed by Sharia law.
PAS leaders have openly declared that non-Malays must accept second-class status as “protected persons” with limited rights. Their intolerant rhetoric threatens Malaysia’s secular governance and multi-religious society. With PAS’ membership skewing younger, their impending dominance poses an existential threat to the nation’s founding principles.
Competing Visions Emerge
Three competing visions have now emerged over Malaysia’s future. PAS advocates an exclusionary Islamic state that denies non-Malays equal citizenship. The predominantly Chinese Democratic Action Party (DAP), representing non-Malays, promotes equal rights and moderation. Finally, East Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak demand autonomy and freedom from peninsular Islamic influences.
After six decades, Malaysia’s national identity remains fragmented. PAS’ rise signals the failure of Ketuanan Melayu to foster an inclusive national identity. Non-Malays resent their subordinate status while younger Malays gravitate towards PAS’ regressive rhetoric. Sabah and Sarawak’s demands for local autonomy reflect their rejection of PAS’ Islamic agenda.
Balancing Competing Interests
As a multi-ethnic nation, Malaysia must balance competing interests. Imposing Islamic law risks provoking resistance from nearly 40% of citizens who are non-Muslim. It could also impede economic development and foreign investment. However, ignoring the growing Malay-Muslim ethno-religious consciousness will breed further discontent and instability.
The government must craft policies that provide opportunities for all Malaysians regardless of race or religion. Promoting moderation, justice and national unity should take precedence over narrow communal interests. PAS must also be prevented from dismantling secular governance and citizens’ fundamental liberties.
Malaysia cannot afford to backslide into the dysfunction plaguing other ethnically-divided nations. Visionary leadership is desperately needed to shepherd Malaysia through these turbulent times. The country’s continued success hinges on emerging from this crisis with its multicultural identity intact.
