COMMENT | In every election in Malaysia, we hear the same words. Reform. Change. Transparency. Better government. Fair growth. National unity.

But the debate often gets stuck on two things: race and votes.

Some say Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is focusing too much on winning the Malay vote, but that is not the real question.

The real question is simpler: Can Anwar bring Malaysians together, or is he only managing different groups to stay in power?

The original New Economic Policy changed Malaysia's social and economic landscape. It helped reduce poverty and build a large Malay middle class. Many Malays moved from rural life into education, jobs, and business.

That is real success, but...