Assignment 2 (Racism in Malaysia's Politic)

By Naylii Sophea
Assignment 2

Malaysia’s system of ethnic politicking is reflective of the excessive role race and religion play in larger Malaysian society, where they impregnate almost every aspect of everyday life. While Malaysians have understood that political stability was predicated on maintaining racial harmony, religions and helps to bring Malaysia to be a better nation. But why does the racism issue in our political still lingering like there are no other things that can be discussed? Racism issues should stop and people in parliament should stop addressing other people due to their skin color or whatsoever. Every person that sits in the parliament should act like maturely and think wisely before voicing out their opinion. Eventho, I know that is how the parliament is running but it doesn’t mean we cannot change it. Instead of arguing and throwing all the curse and offensive words, maybe those representatives should change their attitude and start to learn on how to calm down their egos.

Recently, there is one video that went viral about what’s going on inside the parliament discussion. The highlight of the video is when the member of Parliament for Baling (BN) was called racist and sexist after issuing a dark and 'invisible' statement against Batu Kawan member of Parliament (PH), Kasthuriraani Patto. At that time, Kasthuriraani asked for an explanation from the Member of Parliament for Kota Bharu (Minister of Law) why the Member of Parliament for Women was not listed in the list of members of the new Dewan Rakyat Select Committee.

“Saya memohon penjelasan sedikit. Semasa zaman pentadbiran Pakatan Harapan (PH), Ahli Parlimen Pandan, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ibrahim menganggotai jawatankuasa tersebut.
“Tapi kali ini tidak ada seorang pun wanita dalam jawatankuasa tersebut. Tak cukupkah wanita yang berkaliber dalam Perikatan Nasional,” she asked.

That is when Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim comes out with a very rude and offensive words by saying “Gelap, tak nampak” to Kasthuriraani Patto. First of all, is it very necessary for him to said that to her? She’s only asking politely. Apart from that he also said “Saya tidak menyatakan beliau gelap. Saya kata saya gelap, pakailah bedak selesai masalah,”. What does he think by putting himself as a subject is the same with the words, he said to her? This is very unprofessional and unethical.

As a representative of the political party, he should be a person that every Malaysian could look up to. He should show an example of how we can stand together as one nation despite our differences. Those who live in countries with their own racial politics may see some parallels: politicians that appeal to the majority’s wish to preserve their own privileges and use that political security to enrich themselves. Malaysia’s racial politics may be explicit and institutionalized, but it is certainly not unique.