COMMENT | The Malay 153 Convention scheduled for Dec 13 once again brings Article 153 of the Federal Constitution into public discussion.

This provision, which addresses the special position of Malays and the bumiputera of Sabah and Sarawak while safeguarding the legitimate interests of others, is not new. It has long been part of the nation’s foundation and is often linked to ideas of balance and fairness.

Yet the real question today is not about the article itself, but about how it continues to be used in politics.

Malay political history shows that internal conflict is nothing new. But if we look closely, many disputes over the past few decades have not been driven by ideology or principles.

They have revolved around power and position. Identity politics has become a convenient tool to justify struggles for influence, while the everyday concerns of ordinary people are pushed aside.

When political power promises wealth and privilege, the desire to protect it becomes overwhelming. In this environment...