The Chinese put in new villages by the British costing tens of millions (value in 1952) helped them to gain their foothold in this country while Malays were left to fend on their own, says Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) vice-president Abdul Rahman Mat Dali.

Abdul Rahman in his column on Isma Web - the Malay-rights’ movement website - claimed that history has proof that showed the Malays’ rights were trampled by British and Chinese capitalists, despite the latter already being rich.

He also claimed 1948 records show that more than a couple of hundred millions (then valued) worth of natural products was taken out of the country.

He blamed the British for bringing in the Chinese during its occupation period, further oppressing the Malays from getting their rights in economy and education.

“A few years before Merdeka, a large operation was launched by the Sir Harold Brigs. Harold was in charge of opening special settlements for the Chinese immigrants coming to Tanah Melayu.

“In the operation almost 500,000 Chinese were gathered and placed in 509 new Chinese villages which exist till today. The new villages were included facilities like houses, schools, and paid teachers.

“The Malays on the other hand were not given such facilities but they never caused a ruckus even though they were hurt that their lands were taken and divided to immigrants.

“Is there any other Muslim race better than this (Malays) in history ?” asked Abdul Rahman.

He added that the Chinese and British capitalist dominated the economy after Merdeka due to their development, which resulted in the Malays losing out.

“The Chinese and British capitalist who were already rich before Merdeka were not satisfied and continued to conquer business opportunities, mining, industrialisation, constructions and others after Merdeka.

“The Malays on the other hand were left far behind as they did not have the capacity to compete with the capitalists.”

Abdul Rahman asked the Malays including the Malay leaders to be aware of this historical facts and fight for their privileges.

'No need to be guilty'

“This revelation should be sufficient to raise awareness among Malays, especially the younger generation who feel guilty in receiving privileges or even the Malay leaders who are beginning to feel ashamed to defend and fight for our rights.”

He further said that that Malays should not be embarrassed to demand their privileges as it is their right.

“My advice to the Malays, especially the younger generation is not to be ashamed when insulted or criticised by certain parties for asking privileges from the government. This is their right!”

Abdul Rahman said 450 years of oppression under various foreign colonists cannot be undone in 60 years.

He was referring to early years of Malaya when it was also colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese before it gained independence as Malaysia in 1957.