In terms of political representation, I would like to ask whether the Malays have any real choice. Are there viable alternatives for us?
Umno is corrupt to the core and they represent the Malays (at least of some three million members), whether we like it or not. Umno is very well-funded and organised, and controls our country's resources. Non-Umno Malays do not matter, yet Umno can play on their insecurities and religiosity through the inculcation of 'nilai-nilai Islam' (Islamic values).
Keadilan does not know where it is heading, sorry to say this, since its principal motivation was to free Anwar Ibrahim. Now Anwar is out of jail, what is next for this lethargic party? It cannot even manage a satisfactory merger with Parti Rakyat Malaysia.
The new PAS under a more 'liberal' leadership is certainly not an option since it has yet to abandon publicly its quest for an Islamic state (the basis of its existence and support from conservative elements in Malay society). Furthermore, PAS is not attractive to the non-Muslims who cannot trust these mullahs in lounge suits. We are left with a Hobson's choice in Umno and the Barisan Nasional.
Self-examination is a good start, but it will be only a mirage since Umno's leaders will not change. Fighting for the Malay cause gives them the right to enjoy the country for themselves, their families and friends. If not, how can we explain that NEP is a failure after 35 years? 'Perjuangan kita belum selesai.' (Our fight is not over). That 'perjuangan' is for the status quo.
Change can only occur when Umno Malays decide 'enough is enough' and start to reform the Umno system of politics from within. Unfortunately, ordinary members of Umno have no means of doing so if grassroots politics is still controlled by divisional and branch leaders who are subservient to the top leadership via patronage.
Professor AB Shamsul of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia has written an outstanding book on this subject titled From British to Bumiputra Rule.
I am not optimistic that reform, apart from cosmetic changes, is possible. Our present man, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, at the helm of Umno now, is a product of the system. He is loyal to the system that has enabled him to be Malaysia's top honcho.
Abdullah is surely a very good politician and a smart operator. I am afraid we are perhaps not seeing him for what he really is - he is 'one of them'. So let us not be taken up by his pronouncements. There are plenty of Osus, Isas, Mat Tysons, Musa Amans, Khir Toyos, and Rafidahs in Umno.
In order to survive and prosper in Umno, one must be part of the corrupt culture. And we know it is difficult to effect a change of culture. So if the whole Umno culture is tainted, then its leadership is tainted too.
But until and unless a new alternative emerges, the Malays must continue to rely on Umno. This then is our destiny.