The NEP is not constitutional and has extended its period beyond what has been planned to be necessary. Twenty years have passed and greed has set in. Greed that benefits only a few and not the poverty-stricken Malaysians. An affirmative action policy that helps the poor regardless of race is needed.

I have also noted that India has had Muslim presidents despite being 80 percent Hindu. Similarly, in Australia, there are Asian mayors. In America, New Zealand and many other countries, top positions are for the capable and not based on race or religion. Now, let us not sweep all discussions under the carpet when it comes to Article 153.

Article 153 should always be interpreted together with Article 8 in that all Malaysians must be dealt with fairly and treated as equal. While the position of the Malays is respected and their heritage not forgotten, a section of them are not meant to be the guardians of wealth and collectors that usurp all money, oil and some natural resources till they are left dry.

Article 153 states:

  • The quotas reserved must be reasonable and the reservation of licences and permits for Malays and natives must be of such proportion as may be deemed reasonable.

  • The scope of the reservation of quotas is only with respect to positions in public service, scholarships, and other similar educational or training privileges accorded or given by the federal government and;

  • The special reservation of quotas must not affect the rights of other communities.

    • Apart from the provisions allowed under the abovementioned Article 153, all citizens of Malaysia must be treated as equal. This is clearly provided for under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.

    Article 8 states:

    • All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.

  • No public authority shall discriminate against any person on the ground that he is resident or carrying on business in any part of the federation outside the jurisdiction of the authority.

  • There shall be no discrimination in favour of any person on the ground that he is a subject of the ruler of any state.

    • We must demand these changes and the power is with the people. We must go against a corrupt government, a fanatic religious social structure and not accept high crime rates and the NEP in its present form. We need to change Malaysia and the social structures that are not relevant for the country anymore. We need to free ourselves from these chains that make our lives not worth living.