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KUALA LUMPUR: The concept of ketuanan Melayu cannot just be a mere declaration without it pinned on integrity, ability and courage, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said.
“Ketuanan Melayu cannot be based on sentiments or through ego politics. Only when we are strong, can we say we are tuan. If we are not, people would not respect us,” he said. He was speaking to reporters after giving a keynote address at a forum titled “Malay Interests in History and Legislation” here yesterday. Rais also urged Malays to be united as there would be strength in numbers. “What I’m saying is if you’re strong enough based on the politics of numbers, then you don’t have to worry. We the majority would always prevail,” he said. He was referring to a question on whether a non-Malay could become a prime minister. Dr Rais said US president-elect Barack Obama’s success could not be looked at in the Malaysian context where there was a social contract that guaranteed the special rights of the Malays and the Malay rulers. He added that it was not practical for a non-Malay to become the prime minister because Malays were the majority race. “Let’s face it. The politics of number is still very prevalent in a country which follows certain norms. We cannot do it overnight. “What I’m telling Umno politicians and the Malay community is strengthen yourself and prove that you are capable to lead,” he said. He added that the social contract should no longer be discussed as the Malay rulers, political parties, races and non-governmental organisations had agreed to the Federal Constitution under the Reid Commission in 1957 that gave Malays special rights. “The struggle of the Malays need to be seen from a positive angle. No one should misinterpret history for their own political ends to belittle any one race, especially the Malays as the original residents of this land.” Dr Rais said the Malays had to find common factors such as Islam as the national religion and Malay culture as elements of unity. - The Star
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