The Alliance of Hope (Malay: Pakatan Harapan; abbrev: PH) is

a political coalition in Malaysia. It is a successor to Pakatan

Rakyat(the other being Gagasan Sejahtera). It was established in
2015 as an opposition to the former-ruling Barisan Nasional. It is the
largest bloc in the Dewan Rakyat and is the current ruling party of
Malaysia. The coalition is allied with the Sabah Heritage
Party (WARISAN) and the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun
Murut Organisation (UPKO) in the state of Sabah. At the state level,
the coalition is the largest party in 8 of 13 state legislative
assemblies and forms the government in the states
of Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri
Sembilan, Malacca, Johor and Sabah.[note 1] Pakatan Harapan also
form a government with two-thirds majority in the states
of Penangand Selangor.

The coalition was formed on 22 September 2015, consisting of

the Democratic Action Party, People's Justice Party, National Trust
Party and Malaysian United Indigenous Party.[6] The coalition was
formed as an alliance of centre-left to centre-right parties to contest
the 2018 Malaysian general election. The coalition contested the
election under the logo of a component party, the People's Justice
Party (PKR), due to inability to register as an official coalition.

After the 2018 general elections, Pakatan Harapan

chairman Mahathir Mohamad was appointed as the Prime Minister
of Malaysia while its president, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was
appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister. Mahathir
Mohamad became the first prime minister from Pakatan Harapan,
and the first prime minister to have tenures with two different
parties.

Alliance of Hope

Pakatan Harapan
‫ڤاكتن هارڤن‬
希望联盟
பபாக்கபாத்தபான் ஹரப்பபான
Abbreviation PH

Chairman Mahathir Mohamad

Leader Anwar Ibrahim

President Wan Azizah Wan Ismail

Lim Guan Eng

Deputy Presidents Mohamad Sabu
Muhyiddin Yassin

Chong Chieng Jen

Mohamed Azmin Ali
Vice-Presidents Salahuddin Ayub
Mukhriz Mahathir
M. Kulasegaran
Christina Liew[1]

Founded 22 September 2015

Legalised 16 May 2018[2]

Preceded by Pakatan Rakyat

Kuala
Lumpur (DAP and AMANA
Headquarters H)
Petaling Jaya (PKR)
Putrajaya (BERSATU)

The Rocket
Roketkini
Newspaper Suara Keadilan
Suara Amanah
Keadilan Daily

Student wing Mahasiswa Pakatan

 Harapan

Pemuda Pakatan
Youth wing
Harapan[3][4]

Wanita Pakatan
Women's wing
Harapan[5]

Social democracy
Social liberalism
Ideology
Progressivism
Reformism

Political position Centre to Centre-left

Colours Red

Slogan Pakatan Harapan Rakyat

Dewan Negara: 26 / 70

Dewan Rakyat: 128 / 222

Dewan Undangan
275 / 591
Negeri:

Election symbol

Website

pakatanharapan.com.my

The National Front (Malay: Barisan Nasional; abbrev: BN) is

a political coalition in Malaysia that was founded in 1973 as a
coalition of right-wing and centre parties. They are currently the
largest opposition coalition in the country's Dewan Rakyat.

The Barisan Nasional coalition employs the same inter-communal

governing model of its predecessor the Alliance Party but on a wider
scale, with up to 14 communal political parties involved in the
coalition at one point.[1] It dominated Malaysian politics for over
thirty years after it was founded, but since 2008 has faced stronger
challenges from opposition parties, notably the Pakatan Rakyat (PR)
and later the Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliances. Taken together with
its predecessor (Alliance), it had a combined period of rule from
1957 to 2018, and was considered as the longest ruling coalition
party in the democratic world.[6]

In the aftermath of the 2018 general election, the Barisan Nasional

coalition lost its hold of the parliament to PH for the first time in
Malaysian history. It was also the first time Barisan Nasional became
the opposition coalition after almost 61 years in power, with former
prime minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Mahathir
Mohamad becoming PH's leader.

National Front

Barisan Nasional
‫باريسن ناسيونل‬
国民阵线
பபாரரிசபான் நநேசனல

Abbreviation BN

Chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Secretary-General Nazri Abdul Aziz

Deputy Chairman Mohamad Hasan

Wee Ka Siong
Vice Chairmen
Vigneswaran Sanasee

Founder Abdul Razak Hussein

Founded 1 January 1973[1]

Legalised 1 June 1974 (as a party)

Preceded by Alliance

Aras 8, Menara Dato’ Onn, Putra World Trade

Headquarters
Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Pro-BN newspapers:
New Straits Times
The Star
Newspaper
Utusan Malaysia
Nanyang Siang Pau
Tamil Nesan

Student wing Siswa Barisan Nasional

Youth wing Barisan Nasional Youth Movement

Membership (201
7,000,000
8)

Ketuanan Melayu[2][3]
Social conservatism[4]
Ideology Economic liberalism[5]
1Malaysia

Political position Right-wing

Colours Royal blue and sky white

Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan.

Slogan
Hidup Rakyat

Anthem Barisan Nasional

Dewan Negara: 31 / 70

Dewan Rakyat: 50 / 222

Dewan Undangan
144 / 587
Negeri:

Election symbol

Website

www.barisannasional.org.my

Member parties[edit]

2018 Current
result seats
Seats
Ideolog Leader(s
Flag Name contes
y )
ted Vote Sea Composit
s
ts ion
(%)

United
Malays
National
Organis
ation Ketuan Ahmad 54
UMN 20.9
Pertubu an Zahid 120 / 48 / 51
O 04%
han Melayu Hamidi 222
Kebangs
aan
Melayu
Bersatu
 Malaysia
n Indian
Congres Indian Vignesw
1.38 2 /
MIC s nationa aran 9 1 / 51
3% 222
Kongres lism Sanasee
India
Malaysia

Malaysia
n
Chinese Chines
Associat e Wee Ka 0.45 1 /
MCA 39 1 / 51
ion nationa Siong % 222
Persatua lism
n Cina
Malaysia

Note: A former member party, People's Progressive Party is

experiencing a leadership dispute, with Maglin announced that the
party remained within the coalition and Kayveas announced that
the party had left the coalition.

ADUN SPEAKS | Pakatan Harapan, or any political coalition that

wants to "reclaim Malaysia", must take significant steps in
addressing the plight of numerically small groups, groups that have
been pushed aside by the discriminatory policies of the BN regime.

Harapan should not make the mistake of "wishing away"

differences, just because a structure has been put in place. It is not
about the structure alone, but bringing about broads forms of
representation for those affected groups.

Indian representation in political coalitions will remain problematic

for two reasons. One is the factor of their numerical weakness and
the other is related to the ethnic composition of the parties in
coalitions, whether in Harapan or in BN.

Even if political parties are termed as multi-racial or multi-religious,

the fact remains some of these parties do not have significant
proportion of Indian members. Two political parties in Harapan -
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (bersatu) and Parti Amanah Negara
(Amanah) - being political parties organised along ethnic and
religious lines, their membership consist solely of Malays. It would
be impossible for these political parties to bring in non-Malays.
So when we are talking about Indians being represented in
Harapan, reference is made only made to the DAP and PKR. In the
Harapan national structure, there is only one Indian from the DAP.
PKR, which has considerable Indian membership, is yet to live up to
is reputation as a multi-racial or multi-religious party. To date, Indian
participation in Harapan comes from one source, that is, the DAP.

It is strange that Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad talked

about the lack of Indian participation in reference to bringing in
Hindraf into the coalition, without realising that his own political
party, Bersatu, is another race-based party. In fact, Mahathir himself
realised that he was in no position to ask the DAP or PKR to increase
Indian participation, simply because his party is not multi-racial or
multi-religious in the first place.

Mahathir might be right in justifying the formation of the Bersatu to

weaken Umno, but he is not sure whether this is the right form of
Malay representation, given the general changes that are fast
taking place in the country.

Some are arguing it is no point to talk about Indian representation,

or for that matter, ethnic representation when Harapan is trying to
move beyond the parameters set by BN. One Indian leader in
Harapan went to the extent of saying that it is possible for non-
Indian leaders to represent the Indian community, even if Indian
leaders are not available.

Perhaps a time will come when Malaysians from different racial and
religious backgrounds will be able to accept leaders who might not
come from their own communities. However, such a day has not
arrived. Malaysians, whether they are Chinese, Malays or Indians or
any others, accept leaders from their own ethnic communities.
There is nothing wrong with this.

Ethnicity is not an epi-phenomenon; something that is superficial

that will disappear once other matters are sorted out. Ethnicity is
not a subjective; it is very much structured in the country for the
last 60 years or so. In fact, even class antagonisms often manifest
along ethnic or even religious lines.

In other words, PH leaders in terms of working political

representation for all ethnic communities, especially communities
that were discriminated and marginalised, should take ethnicity
seriously. Indians can easily fall into the category of an affected
community.
While Indians want good leaders,
but at least for the time being they
want their community to be
represented by their own leaders.
This is not asking too much, is it?

VI Lenin, the former leader of the

Soviet Union and the architect of
the October 1917 revolution, said
that the march towards to the final
political destination must be made
by recognising national differences,
a move he described as "two steps forward, one step backward".

P RAMASAMY is Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang and the state

assemblyperson for Perai.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and

do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/394042

Barisan Nasional

1. Special incentive of RM5,000 for each Felda settler

2. Special grant of RM7,500 per hectre for eligible Felda

settler in replanting programme. This reduces 70% debt borne
by Felda settler due to replanting.

3. Write-off debts born by Felda settlers for purchasing FGV

shares

4. RM300million of special allocation for eligible Felda

settlers in the next five years, write-off extraordinary or
extreme debt

5. Increasing housing for Felda settlers

6. Upgrade 422km of roads in Felda settlers’ area

 7. Additional street lamps for Felda settlers

8. Waste system for 419km of Felda area

9. Additional road signs, road direction and street lamps in

Felda area

10. A one-stop service centre set up in Felda.

Pakatan Harapan

1. End malpractices in Felda

2. Restructure management framework in Felda

3. Defend settlers and help them to reduce debt

4. Upgrade and modernise settlers area

5. Quality education for settlers’ children

Tax

Barisan Nasional

1. Women who returned to workforce are offered 24 months

of tax subsidy

2. Review individual and corporate tax rate

3. Employers who offer childcare facilities are given tax

reduction

4. Tax exemption period for revival of abandoned housing

project extended

5. Tax deduction for parents’ medical expenses increase

from RM5,000 to RM10,000

6. Rental income exempted from tax

Pakatan Harapan

1. Goods and Services Tax abolished in 100 days,

resumption of sales and service tax

2. Import tax for first car below 1,600 cc lowered

3. Employers who help staff paying Higher Education Loan

Fund without salary deduction are offered tax reduction

4. Developers are offered tax reduction for building

affordable homes and industrialised construction system.

Youth

Barisan Nasional

1. 1Malaysia Training Scheme 2.0 (SLIM 2.0) for employed

university graduates and employers in future.

2. 50,000 job opportunities created through vocational

education training camp designed with future employers

3. Subsidy for youth in rural area to sit for B2 licence

through MyLesen programme

4. Set up special GLC fund to create 10,000 jobs for social

entrepreneurs

5. TN50 monthly pass for public transport

6. Set up MyCadang to collect views from youth, submit to

cabinet on monthly basis

7. Interim housing project for 1Malaysia youth

8. Learning subsidy for youth who sign up Malaysia online

course

9. Broadband charges reduced by half, speed doubled

Pakatan Harapan
 1. Relax repayment scheme for Higher Education Loan Fund
(PTPTN). Those who earn below RM4,000 a month can defer
payment of loan.

2. Wedding allowance for couple below 35 years of age in

first marriage

3. Broadband charges reduced by half, speed doubled

4. Mobility of youth is listed as one of the agendas in ASEAN

Economic community

5. Ensure sufficient employment with compatible

remuneration

6. Free education opportunities

7. Emphasis on sports and leisure – balance in work and life

Housing

Barisan Nasional

1. Set up special bank to handle loan for affordable home

and low cost homes below RM300,000.

2. Offer special incentive to encourage more enterprises to

participate Industrialised Building System (IBS)

3. Subsidy offered to encourage more banks and developers

to offer rent to buy scheme

4. Mandatory KPI set for affordable housing scheme

5. Housing tribunal to resolve disputes

6. An independent agency to be set up to co-ordinate

affordable housing proposal

7. Public housing lease scheme introduced to assist lower

income group and disabled group as tenants
 8. Syariah compliant sales and purchase agreement on
property

Pakatan Harapan

1. After launching rent to own scheme across the country,

seek consensus with commercial banks to launch similar
scheme in private property development project and sub-sale
market.

2. Set a deadline for all housing projects and offer

subsistence to small and medium developers

3. Consolidate 1Malaysia home projects across the country

to ensure no cronies gain from the project

4. Increase quota for affordable home

5. Set up national affordable home council

6. Build 1 million affordable homes across the country in two

terms

Civil Servants

Barisan Nasional

1. Expand flexi-working hours plan in public service

2. Upgrade equipment in military hospitals

3. Prepare 45,000 homes for families of military personnel

by 2030

4. Build 10,000 units of One Soldier One Home (SASaR) for

army

5. Build 1,800 units of One Soldier One Home for retired

army

6. 10,000 units of 1Malaysia civil servant housing scheme

for police
 7. Increase quota on military and police personnel for
pilgrimage trip

8. More PERNAMA shops selling daily items on lower prices

9. Retired soldiers who are not entitled to 1Malaysia cash aid

entitle to one off special aid of RM600

Pakatan Harapan

1. Ensure neither political party nor politics to intervene civil

servants at work

2. Civil servants are promoted according to performance and

experience

3. Civil servants are encouraged to be more creative and

think out of the box

Reduce people’s burden

Barisan Nasional

1. New categories for BRIM – family earning between

RM4,000 to RM5,000 to receive cash aid of RM700

2. Cash aid for family earning less than RM3,000 under BRIM
to receive RM800 instead of RM400 in July and August. Family
under this category receive a total of RM2,000

3. Cash aid for family earning between RM3,000 and

RM4,000 under BRIM to receive RM600 instead of RM300 in
July and August. Family under this category receive a total of
RM1,500

4. For singles who earn less than RM2,000 a month, they

received RM450 of cash aid in February. The cash aid increased
to RM600 in June

5. Broadband charges reduced by half, Wi-Fi speed to double

6. Minimum wage to increase to RM1,500 per month in

stages in five years
 7. Lower interest charges and fine for delay in credit card
payment

8. TN 50 public transportation pass between RM50 and

RM150 per month for students, young workers, senior citizens
and disabled

9. Better welfare, insurance coverage, medical benefits and

living subsidies for workers earning less than RM2,500 per
month

Pakatan Harapan

1. Abolish toll charges gradually

2. Citizens who are entitled BRIM will continue to receive the

cash aid, system is improved for funds to be managed and
distributed fairly.

3. B40 and M40 groups to receive aid accordingly

4. Stabilise oil price, offer oil subsidy to the needy category

5. Caring plan currently implemented in Selangor to be

implemented across the country to provide B40 families
medical subsidy of RM500 per year

6. Reduce broadband fees by half, double WIFI speed

7. Minimum wage is increased to RM1,500 during the first

term of office, minimum wage is standardised in both
Peninsula Malaya and East Malaysia. Review is conducted
every two year where employers and government would share
the cost of salary increment

8. RM100 of monthly travel pass for unlimited use on all

kinds of public transport

9. Stabilise prices of essential goods, control factors which

lead to increase in prices of goods
 10. Ensure healthy competition among suppliers, fair prices of
medical products

11. Ensure sufficient supply of goods during festive seasons

to prevent sudden surge in price

12. Lower the import tax of first car below 1,600 cc for people
to buy first car at lower price but family with household income
below RM8,000 to only buy one car to prevent abuse

Chinese education development

Barisan Nasional

1. Malaysian citizens with oversea qualifications equivalent

to SPM and STPM who have credit in Malay paper and a pass in
history are qualified to enter any public institutions of higher
learning. The criteria apply to Unified Examination Certificate
(UEC)

2. Build new schools, including Chinese primary school,

Tamil primary school according to demand. Special allocation
offered to develop and refurbish to consolidate multi-stream of
education in the country.

Pakatan Harapan

1. Recognise UEC for Chinese independent school students

to enter public institutions of higher learning. Applicant
requires a minimum of credit in SPM Malay paper

2. Institutionalise allocation to Chinese primary schools and

Chinese independent schools

Education

Barisan Nasional

1. Discount card for students to reduce financial burden on

transport, government services and purchase of learning items
 2. Wi-Fi speed in public universities to increase to 100Gbps

3. 5 million students to be equipped with digital technology

for Industrial revolution 4.0 within five years.

4. Through SL1M 2.0 job matching committee, university

students are in contacts with employers in advance

5. Upgrade integrated special education plan to offer special

children education and stimulate their potential

6. 1Malaysia Education saving plan increase the one on one

special incentive to RM1,000

7. Through Double Language Programme (DLP), Higher

Integration Programme (HIP) and trial run of English schools in
Sabah and Sarawak to upgrade students’ command of
language

Pakatan Harapan

1. PTPTN loan recipients can defer payment if their monthly

salary is less than RM4,000, abolish blacklist on defaulters

2. Increase scholarship and study loan especially for

university students who come from b40 and M40.

3. Ensure government-link companies to increase

scholarships for B40 and M40 groups

4. Abolish Universities and University Colleges Act 1971,

ensure quality of academics, freedom of speech, freedom of
association and autonomy in higher institutions of learning.
Students to receive allocation from school and manage student
union on their own

5. Offer university staff who intend to pursue further studies

with scholarships

6. Offer assistantship, enhance application of technology in

schools to reduce teachers’ burden
Revive economy

Barisan Nasional

• Increase 3 million job opportunities

• Reduce dependency on foreign labour to 15% of total

workforce in the country

• Speed up the development of vision valley in Malaysia to

150,000 hectares and created 1.3 million of job opportunities.

• Reduce financial deficit, ratio of national debt vs GDP to

improve international credit ratings

• Through AKPK programmes, introduce financial

management courses in secondary schools to upgrade
financial management concept

• Upgrade Secretariat for the Advancement of Malaysian

Entrepreneurs (SAME) for it to be a global value chain in
assisting Chinese SMEs to be able to compete in ASEAN

• Groom 1 million of digital entrepreneurs

• Increase the speed to drive the country toward Industrial

4.0, plan public policies according to big data and draft
development path in science and technology

• Propelling high technology industries through increased

foreign direct investment in targeted sectors in order to
increase the number of high-skilled jobs

• Through RM1 billion of allocation in Halal Development

Fund, drive halal economy to upgrade national economy

• Provide more platforms and funds for industry players,

stimulate actual potential of creative industry as new source of
income for the nation

Pakatan Harapan
 • Create 1 million of top-notched job opportunities, offer
free technical training to the unemployed

• Reduce 6 million foreign labour to 4 million during first

term of office, resolve problem of local workers unable to have
pay rise due to high number of foreign workers

• Resume potential of ringgit within three years, appoint

Bank Negara to draft strategies to avoid over-dependency on
import of milk, poultry, vegetables which lead to price increase
due to depreciation of ringgit

• Review all mega contracts the Barisan Nasional

government awarded to foreigners to ensure no corruption and
malpractices, continue to attract foreign funds from China and
other Asian countries into Malaysia

• Continue to develop SMEs which contribute 65% of

employment in the country, supply subsidy package for SMEs
to drive the transformation of Industrial 4.0

• Ensure outcome of investment made by China funds can

be shared by all people especially local bumiputras and SMEs
of all races

• Revive new economy, share economy and research

sector, enhance protection of intellectual property so as to
promote more corporations venturing into innovative industry

• Support corporations which need innovative technologies,

ensure investment policy can attract latest technologies.

https://www.malaysia-today.net/2018/04/11/who-is-better-a-
comparison-of-manifesto-between-barisan-nasional-and-pakatan-
harapan/This coming general election will be an epic battle between
two coalitions - BN versus PH, with a third smaller coalition led by
the Islamist Parti Islam SeMalaysia playing more of a spoiler than a
kingmaker role.

Both BN and PH are Malay-led. Whichever side wins, it will still be a

Malay-led government, although a Pakatan government is likely to
be less bound by communal, or race-based, politics. In so far as
there will be a Malay-led government, the polity will remain
relatively stable.
But the flux in Malay politics is, by extension, throwing the whole
political landscape into fluidity, given the central role of the Malay
or Malay-dominant parties on both sides of the political divide.
Against this backdrop, two scenarios are playing out:

SCENARIO 1: UMNO RETURNS, BUT WILL IT REFORM?

Umno is clearly fighting for survival. This is because its leader, who
is also the Prime Minister, is himself fighting for his political life,
saddled with scandals. Umno and BN cannot afford to lose because
Prime Minister Najib Razak cannot afford to lose.

That is why the opposition has been thrown obstacle after obstacle
along its path towards the election.

Should Umno be returned to power, this will therefore not be

surprising, especially given the changes in the electoral maps to
enhance the chances of Umno/BN candidates.

But if the results are not in Umno's favour, the opposition expects
Datuk Seri Najib to draw his one last weapon: emergency rule. Even
a hung Parliament, which is likely, could be cause for emergency
rule, should the political deadlock lead to instability.

In the event Umno is returned to power, it should undergo major

reforms so as to remain relevant and recapture its mass appeal,
going forward. Ditto for the Umno-led coalition, BN. It can be
suicidal for them to ignore the writing on the wall.

SCENARIO 2: POWER TRANSFER?

But regime change is not something that can be ruled out any
longer. Dr Mahathir has even hinted of some "well-known BN
leaders looking to join Pakatan". This could be his psy-war. Or it
could be real. While early forecasts put Umno/BN as the eventual
winner, though by a close margin, this general election is
increasingly difficult to read, making it the most unpredictable ever.
Even Mr Najib billed it as the "mother of all elections". Should
Umno/BN be dethroned, the call for change will be even more
deafening.

But an oppositionist role for Umno/BN is not necessarily a disaster.

It could instead be cathartic, even good for Umno's soul. Umno/BN
could become a strong opposition and an effective check on the
new ruling group - and ever ready to make a comeback. Umno/BN in
the opposition will not be unlike Indonesia's Golkar, India's
Congress, Taiwan's Kuomintang and even Japan's Liberal
Democratic Party.

On the other hand, a Pakatan Harapan victory is not necessarily a

setback either for the country. A PH government will provide a fresh
change in leadership, governance and perhaps even approach to
nation-building. A PH government is not likely to be so reckless as to
throw out some fundamentals that have brought the different
communities together in forging the Malaysian nation.

A PH government will also have to prove how different it will be

from the Umno/BN government it replaces - not only in terms of
vision, mission and plans, but also in terms of character and values.

What new play will it bring about? How different a Malaysia will it be
under Pakatan Harapan? On May 9, when the voters decide, they
will plant the seeds of the future political landscape.

• Yang Razali Kassim is senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of

International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University,
Singapore. This article first appeared in RSIS Commentaries.

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/ge14-and-the-future-of-malay-politics-in-malaysia
What Does It Take For Pakatan
Harapan To Win GE14 And What
May Happen If They Do
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 21 Jul 2017, 12:54 PM

Long read

We spoke to a parliamentary researcher and lawyer to shed some light on

the technicalities and possibilities that may occur if a different party wins
the next general election.

• #parliament

• #generalelection

• #Malaysia

• #ge14

• #lifestyle

• #BN

• #pakatanharapan

• #pkr

• #dap

• #umno

• #PAS

• #westminster

• #democracy

• #electionpromises
• #economy

• Cover image via WakeUp Malaya

It has been more than four years since the 13th

Malaysian General Election was held on 5 May
2013.
Barisan Nasional (BN) has emerged as the winning
coalition in every single election held since the
country achieved its independence in 1957.

Image via Sham Hardy via Edelman

Dubbed as one of the longest ruling coalitions in the democratic world, BN is

made up of 13 parties including the three main race-based parties, United
Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA),
and the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC).

One of the coalition's biggest victories to date was winning 198 out of the
219 seats in the Dewan Rakyat during the 11th General Election in 2004.
The coalition was lead by former prime minister Tun Dato' Sri Haji Abdullah
bin Haji Ahmad Badawi.

However, the 12th general election saw one of the worst election results in
the history of the coalition. The 2008 'Tsunami' elections was also the first
time since 1969 that BN did not win a two-thirds supermajority in the
parliament.

That was the beginning of a new era for Malaysia.

2008 saw the opposition parties gaining
popularity, sparked by Bersih's political rallies and
more Malaysians started paying attention to
politics.

Bersih 4 rally, August 2015.

Image via New Straits Times

Less than a year before the 2008 general elections, Bersih (Coalition for
Clean and Fair Elections) held its first ever rally on 10 November 2007 which
made several demands, including the usage of indelible election ink,
abolition of postal votes, a thorough update on the registered electoral roll
and a fair access to the mass media for all parties.

The rally brought on a renewed political interest among Malaysians and

raised awareness on issues that aren't usually discussed on mainstream
media.

The opposition parties came together under a coalition named, 'Pakatan

Rakyat' (officially known as Pakatan Harapan now) soon after the 12th
general election.

The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) is no longer part of the opposition

coalition that is currently made up of the Democratic Action Party (DAP),
National Trust Party (AMANAH), People's Justice Party (PKR), and the
Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU). The coalition's chairperson is
none other than Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir
Mohamad. He used to be the leader of UMNO and lead Barisan Nasional to
many of its election victories in the past, before resigning as the PM of
Malaysia in 2003.
Now, about a decade later from when the political
awakening began in Malaysia, Pakatan
Harapan has emerged as BN's biggest rival,
with some predicting that the coalition may even
win the next general elections

Dr Mahathir with the key leaders of Pakatan Harapan at the press conference on 13 July.
Image via Lim Huey Teng/Malaysiakini

The hopeful coalition recently released a set of plans it wants to achieve

within the first 100 days of it taking over Putrajaya.

Here's the list of plans, as reported by Malaysiakini:

- Abolish the Goods and Services Tax (GST)

- Stabilise the petrol price
- Form a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate the 1MDB financial
scandal
- Fight corruption
- Embark on a series of efforts to reduce Malaysians' financial burdens
- Start a reform process of the nation's key institutions
- Rehabilitate the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA)
So, what does it take for Pakatan Harapan to win
the 14th general election?

The flags of the four parties that make up Pakatan Harapan.

Image via Free Malaysia Today

Firstly, here's a brief overview of how the Malaysian parliament and

election system works:

Being a former British colony, Malaysia follows the Westminster system,

which is a parliamentary system modelled after that of the United Kingdom
system, as used in the Palace of Westminster - the location of the
Parliament of the United Kingdom.

The elections exist at two levels - federal and state. This is in accordance
with the bicameral system, a legislative body that has two branches. The
Malaysian bicameral parliament consists of the upper house of the
parliament, Dewan Negara (Senate) and the lower house of the parliament,
Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives).

At the federal level, voters elect the 222-member House of

Representatives (Dewan Rakyat). The members are elected from single-
member constituencies and each representative can serve multiple terms,
with each term lasting for a maximum of five years.
At the state level, voters elect representatives to the Dewan Undangan
Negeri (State Legislative Assembly) and the number of representatives
varies between the different states in the country.

The upper house of the parliament, Dewan Negara, consists of 70 members,

26 of which are elected by the state legislative assemblies, while the
remaining 44 are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

To form a government, a coalition or party has to

win the majority of the 222-member Dewan
Rakyat.
This means that they'll have to win at least 112
seats out of the 222 contested seats using the
first-past-the-post system.

First-past-the-post is a voting method where voters indicate their preferred

candidate on a ballot and the candidate who receives the most number of
votes wins.

According to the Constitution of Malaysia, a general election must be held in

the country at least once every five years. However, note that the Prime
Minister has the power to request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the
parliament at any time before this five-year period.

The most recent example of this would be the 2017 United Kingdom General
Election which was held on 8 June. The general election was not due until 7
May 2020 but Prime Minister Theresa May called for a snap election earlier
this year. A snap election refers to an election that is not necessary by the
law or constitution but is usually called to decide on certain pressing issues
or to capitalise on certain electoral opportunities.

What about the two-third majority?

A two-third majority is the majority required to pass constitutional

amendments. Even if a party fails to make a two-third majority in the
general elections, they can still form a government.
What if no single party wins enough seats to form
a government?
When a general election results in no single political party winning an
overall majority in the House of Commons, this is known as a situation of no
overall control, or a 'hung parliament'.

For example, in the 2017 UK elections Theresa May's Conservative Party

won 319 seats in the House of Commons. They were short of seven seats to
form a majority government. The Labour Party won 261 seats, coming in as
the second largest winning party in the elections.

May striked a deal with the Northern Ireland Democratic Unionist Party
(DUP) to form a coalition government.

Back to Malaysia.
If we end up with a hung parliament, the parties
can negotiate with one another to form a coalition
government. In situations like these, parties would
most often rely on jumping majorities.

The most crucial part would be both the coalition's' decision and agreement
on who will be named as the prime minister. Once a decision is made, the
person selected will be appointed as the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

This is based on 'Article 43: Appointment of the Prime Minister and the
Cabinet', of the Federal Constitution which states that, "Yang di-Pertuan
Agong shall first appoint as Perdana Menteri (Prime Minister) to preside over
the Cabinet a member of the House of Representatives who in his judgment
is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that
House".

After that, on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
will appoint other ministers from the members of either House of
Parliament.

These decisions should be made as soon as possible, ideally no more than a

week after the polling day.

Note that the civil service, important government policies, and

services will remain the same. If need be, the new government will
be briefed on all different aspects of governance by senior civil
servants.

Technicalities aside, if a party other than Barisan

Nasional wins any of the upcoming general
elections, it would certainly go down in history.
Predicting the possibilities of what may happen
after the official handover of power can prove to
be a little difficult, as we do not have a precedent
to refer to.

A woman sits as voters queue to cast their votes during the 13th General Election on 5 May 2013.
Image via AFP/The Malay Mail Online
All that said, we spoke to Chung Yi Fan, a parliamentary researcher, who
shed some light on the matter. When asked on whether a historic change in
power would affect the country economically, Yi Fan opined that a change in
ruling power may do the nation good in terms of economy.

"I think overall in the mid to long term, our economy will be
healthier and more resilient as may benefit from stronger checks
and balances. Some overly ambitious huge spending projects may get
reviewed or shelved and that may cause some politically well-connected
businesses to suffer but in the long run, ordinary people will benefit from
more prudent spending and more transparent governance.

"Malaysia is an open economy very much integrated to the global market.

To a large extent our economy will do well if the global economic climate is
good and vice versa. External factor is important too, but this is beyond our
control," he said.

Will a change in power lead to political unrests?

Bersih 4 rally, August 2015.

Image via Global Risk Insights
Responding to this, Yi Fan gave credit to Malaysians, saying that most of the
country's population are made up of peace-loving people.

"Political unrests are bad for businesses. Also, in Malaysia, politics and
businesses are deeply intertwined. The power elites in business would want
stability.

"As seen at a smaller scale in Penang and Selangor post-2008

elections, economic development and business opportunities in
both states remained dynamic and vibrant. Life goes on for most of
the business owners and ordinary working people, although the
government has changed," opined Yi Fan.

Meanwhile, prominent lawyer Syahredzan Johan, did not dismiss the

possibility of political unrests in the country should there be a shift in power
after the next elections.

"There is a possibility of this happening, especially because we

have not experienced a change of the Federal Government before.
But, the likelihood is lower if there is clear and unequivocal
rejection of Barisan Nasional. In any event, the police must be
professional and ensure that public order is kept during this
transition period," he told SAYS.
While opinions are brewing on the matter, Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, said recently that
Malaysians should not risk their future with a
"party that has no direction"

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak

Image via The Malaysian Insider

"UMNO has been around for 60 years, and has brought the country to great
heights. So why should we take risks.

"We have a good track record and we have a vision in TN50, and we
know that UMNO has a clear direction in governing the country.
This is all very clear, so why are we taking the risk with a party
which has no direction?" asked Najib, as reported by The Malaysian
Insight on 16 June.

Pakatan Harapan has yet to name a prime minister candidate from the
coalition, as their de facto leader, former deputy minister Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim, is currently serving a five-year prison sentence after his sodomy
conviction was upheld in 2015.
Also, in what came as a shock to many, Anwar released a statement
saying that he has withdrawn as a prime minister candidate for
Pakatan Harapan on 17 June.

"Given the call to focus all the attention on the general election, I choose
not to offer myself as the candidate for prime minister. All this friction is
tiring, at the end of the day the decision is in the hands of the people during
the general election," he said, as reported by The Malaysian Insight.

Ultimately, the future of Malaysia lies in the hands

of the voters.
Decide wisely when the time comes, and most
importantly, register yourselves as voters ASAP if
you haven't done so already:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/malaysia-election-ge14-pakatan-harapan-
campaign-strategy-10221738

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2018/12/04/when-is-it-ever-time-for-human-
rights-in-malaysia/

https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/115336

https://www.economist.com/asia/2018/05/10/control-of-malaysias-parliament-changes-for-the-first-
time

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/07/08/new-malaysia-should-be-better-than-previous-
governments-says-dr-m/

https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/on-the-beat/2018/09/30/new-malaysia-old-politics-
a-new-political-culture-might-seem-to-have-been-installed-but-the-same-pro/

https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/so-aunty-so-what/2018/07/11/whats-new-malaysia-
heres-hoping-what-the-old-government-failed-to-do-the-new-one-will/

https://www.economist.com/asia/2018/05/10/control-of-malaysias-parliament-changes-for-the-first-
time

https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/political-change-in-malaysia-will-there-be-a-new-normal

https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/online-exclusive/the-gaffer/2016/02/27/racism-in-malaysian-
football-must-stop/#

Sports in Malaysia after independence, was seen as a means directly to develop the spirit of
nationalism and national integration among the multi-racial group. In sports, nationalism formed the
natural framework into which people continued to group themselves and it provided consolidation
in the Malaysia multi racial society. As such, the Malaysia government, through the National Sports
Policy implemented various projects which have developed the spirit of nationalism among existing
racial groups. Nationalism and sports appeared to work in the same direction with one promoting
the other. For example, sports became more closely linked to national symbol such as the national
anthem, national flag and national colors in all sporting events. At the same the time the concept of
national sports in reference to indigenous sports were given more emphasis in the effort to establish
a national identity. Sports programs and cultural activities were planned to create deeply rooted
national feeling of unity among multi racial groups that seem to be an extension of feeling of
togetherness and nationality on a large scale (Abu Bakar, 2001). In most competitive sports, when
Malaysians represented their nation, they were considered to be contributing to nationalism. In
many cases they were sponsored by the government to represent the country and they compete for
national pride. Even with all these efforts, it seemed that they were not enough to integrate the
different races which had with them different practices and believes, feeling of nationalism
associated with their own races and the like. When they compete they compete for the pride of their
own race instead of competing for one nation. Over the period of time this led to racial imbalance
that eventually led to the eruption of the May 13th racial riot incident in 1969. As a result of the
racial friction, the government felt that the different races needed to integrate so that a more
harmonious society can be created. Amongst the things in the agenda was the role that could be
played by the National Sports Council of Malaysia to integrate the different races to compete in a
more common sport enjoyed by all races. Through the National Sports Policy the government was
able to assimilate the different races making them aware of the pluralism of its society. A common
sports culture may reflect the Malaysian identify should be implemented and accepted by the
different races in line with the values and norms of this plural society. Research questions: Gullick
(1987) stated that the segregation of the different races during the colonization period results in
each race by practicing its own sporting activity lacking in integration of any of these races.
However, Coakley (1997) claims that sports not only can be an agent of integration but also acts as
a catalyst to brings people of different races to compete with one goal in mind, striving for the
nation rather than for one’s race glory and victory. Based on these facts, this study put forward three
research questions to be explored and answered. The three research questions are: • Can sports be
an agent of integration for people of different races in the Malaysian society? • If yes, which
elements in sports led to social integration in the Malaysian society? • What are the
recommendations put forward to the Malaysian government to integrate the different races in
Malaysia through sports? MATERIALS AND METHODS The study needs to explore Malaysian
athletes’ cultural behavior and to see if the implementation of the National Sports Policy is effective
in contributing towards the integration of the different races in Malaysia. The researchers employed
an ethnographic approach to data collection for the study. Different methods of data collection were
employed for the different data collecting strategies. The methods employed include: • Interviews •
Observation • Document Analysis • Triangulation technique was used to support the validity of the
research Ethnographic approach was selected in order to assist the development of the case study
and to provide an understanding of the athletes’ cultural behaviors while taking into account of the
athletes’ cultural diversity (Patton, 2001). In this approach, 30 athletes’ were selected as sample, 10
from each of the 3 main races in Malaysia. The case study on the 30 selected was carried out
focusing on sports beliefs and practices towards social integration. Interviews were carried out on
these athletes focusing mainly on how sports are able to inject the following elements within them:
• Sense of nationalism • Racial cooperativeness • Team spirit • Racial unity • Racial tolerance •
Sacrifice Data on the athletes’ own experiences, understanding about their sport culture and their
belief systems were collected through this method:

The findings of the study showed some very interesting results which further strengthen the claims
that sports can be an agent that can integrate people of different races to compete with one goal in
mind, which is to strive for the nation rather than for one’s glory and victory.
Based on the different elements looked into in the study that contribute towards racial integration,
the data showed that team building and cooperativeness are ranked the highest that led to social
integration amongst the athletes. This is closely followed by elements of respect and selflessness
(unselfish attitude). Ranked third in the ranking of the elements is sense of tolerance regardless the
races among the athletes. This is followed by, “having a common goal”. That is. Winning the race
leads to a collective decisions among the athletes. To have a common language amongst the athletes
is not one of the main requirements in striving for the common goal of winning.

Based on the different elements looked into in the study that contribute towards racial integration,
the data showed that team building and cooperativeness are ranked the highest that led to social
integration amongst the athletes. This is closely followed by elements of respect and selflessness
(unselfish attitude). Ranked third in the ranking of the elements is sense of tolerance regardless the
races among the athletes. This is followed by, “having a common goal”. That is. Winning the race
leads to a collective decisions among the athletes. To have a common language amongst the athletes
is not one of the main requirements in striving for the common goal of winning. DISCUSSION
Being a multi-racial, multilingual society like Malaysia, the government needs to be proactive in
integrating the different races to guarantee racial harmony. Having a common goal of winning for
the nation has helped the government to bring together at least 3 different races of different belief
system, language, rituals, religion and custom to work as a team. The athletes believe that team
building and cooperativeness among themselves are very important in ensuring the success of the
team (Parkhourse, 2004). Believing that victory is the result of team work, they put aside elements
of selfishness. When athletes have a common goal, they forego their differences and make various
sacrifices in order to achieve the goal, having room for flexibility for their common beliefs, value
systems. Athletes also reported that they have to put aside their fanatical beliefs to achieve the goal.
The results also show that language, due to geographical location and differences in mother tongue
are not barriers that can stop them from achieving the common goal of winning. They are still able
to play together under onesystem or rule. This is done by their non-verbal cues and inner values and
understanding of friendship through body language and gestures. Base on this results obtained in
this study, it shows that the elements incorporated and practiced by the National Sports Council of
Malaysia among the athletes such as togetherness, team building and cooperation among team
members had been fully utilized and practiced by fellow Malaysian athletes. They have been
fruitful in producing athletes who believe in the common goal of winning for the nation rather than
winning for individual glory. CONCLUSION The study concluded that through sports, athletes
come together and work as a team regardless of their different races, belief system and language. In
this context, sports act as a vehicle for social integration. Sports should be given priority, given
bigger budget, being well-planned and there should be a committee representative of all races
running the show. Sports should not be specific to a particular race only. So far, the Malaysian
government has been able to integrate athletes of different races in the different field of sports. For
example in the game of badminton, it is no longer dominated by a particular race, so is soccer. The
government is now looking into ways of integrating athletes of different races into games such a
basketball that was formerly dominated by the Chinese and the game of “sepak takraw” which was
dominated by the Malays. The elements of sports should be emphasized both in theory and practice
in the school curriculum so that the elements of racial tolerance, racial unity, cooperativeness,
respect and others could be integrated within the curriculum for continuous racial harmony in the
country.

In 2017, numerous initiatives to promote national unity and social cohesion as well as efforts to
speak up against racial discrimination in Malaysia were identified. Moments of Unity Date: 21
January 2017 The National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) alongside the National
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and
Industry of Malaysia organised a gathering termed “Moments of Unity” which included public
university students, school students and civil servants for a “unity morning exercise” that aimed to
unify and bring people of different races closer at the Perdana Botanical Gardens in Kuala Lumpur5
. In addition, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak had also pointed out that
Malaysians should not merely have “moments of unity” but to make it part of our culture. He
cautioned that extremism is the enemy of unity and therefore Malaysians must remember to respect
and empathise with each other, regardless of race. He had also reminded that the success of any race
in Malaysia is a success for Malaysia6 .

Calls by Young Malaysians to Not be Defined by Race or Religion Date: 4 June 2017 According to
the Transformasi 2050 (TN 50) engagement with young people, the Youth and Sports Minister
Khairy Jamaluddin highlighted that the youth have made the point that they do not want to be
divided anymore. They appreciate their cultural heritage but it should not be their primary identity
that divides them. The youths want to be known as Malaysians11 . Sport Minister Khairy
Jamaluddin suggests that the root of the issue could be the education system and shared that among
the plans that might materialise as part of TN 50 pilot project is the establishment of a new type of
national school where religious studies and learning of other languages are integrated in the
syllabus.

Social Disparity in Sports and the Malaysian Experience “Woi, K*ling Hitam, Monyet! Lari je laju,
bawak bola pun tak pandai!” (Hey you, Blackie, Monkey! You can only run; you don’t even know
how to dribble!) This is one of many instances where some football players – usually Indian or
African footballers; are on the receiving end of racial slurs from fans in the stadium during
Malaysian league matches. “Tidak apa” (never mind MALAYSIA RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
REPORT 2017 36 | P a g e Racial dominance and racial imbalance in sports is nothing new. In
Malaysia, certain ethnicities have built up a history in a particular sport. So, the young people of
that ethnicity are more inspired to follow in their ancestors’ footsteps and try to excel in that sport.
Malays prefer football and sepak takraw, while Chinese prefer basketball and table tennis. For
example, 88 per cent of Malaysian football players during the 2015 Asian Cup Qualification Round
were Malays. Meanwhile, 87.5 per cent of the footballers who received a call up for the national
team in September 2017 were Malays. The Malaysian Sepak Takraw team consists of all Malay
players; while there is no other race other than Chinese in our 2017 national basketball team’s list.
The viability of pursuing a meaningful career in sports also becomes a factor. Some think that
football and rugby is a short-term and risky career, compared to having a conventional job. Malays
find football an accessible and viable career, with the potential to achieve some fame. Chinese
youth and their parents are less likely to see football as such and would aspire for careers in the
professions or management. Next is the issue of religion. There is customary sportswear, such as
shaped leotard in gymnastic, which is not allowed in Islam. This is because Islam requires Muslims
to cover some parts of their body. This has lead to Muslims not joining sports such as gymnastic and
swimming. However, there are world class Muslim-Malay athletes such as Nur Dhabitah Sabri
(diving) and Farah Ann Abdul Hadi (gymnastics) who excel in their career. Having more local
sporting heroes performing on the international stage, will inspire Malaysians of all races and walks
of life. Athletes like Mokhtar Dahari, James Wong, Soh Chin Aun, Santokh Singh, R. Arumugam
(football), Sidek Brothers, Lee Chong Wei (badminton), Nicol Ann-David (squash), Pandalela
Renong (diving), Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (superbike - MotoGP), Agilan Thani (Mixed Martial
Arts), Dineshvaran Krishnan (rugby), Josiah Ng and Azizulhasni Awang (cycling) inspire us to be
like them. When Malaysian cheer groups support our athletes at stadiums, ethnicity of the athletes
isn’t an issue. That’s the beauty of sports as a unifying factor. It’s heartwarming every time
Malaysian spectators cheer our athletes at the national and international level competitions
regardless of their racial and religious diversity. The cheers grow louder when Malaysian athletes
win a medal. Racial polarisation is still quite apparent among youngsters, especially in schools and
activities. Some of the teams at the junior level are mono-ethnic in composition. In SMK Pakan,
Sarikei, Sarawak, 80 per cent of their hockey and football players are Ibans, while 90 per cent of
their basketball players are Chinese. In SK Jalan Kebun Baharu, Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor,
80 per cent of their football players are Malays, while 20 per cent are Indians. 80 per cent of their
rugby, handball and netball players are Malays. 100 per cent of their dodgeball and takraw team are
Malays. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of their ping pong and basketball players are Chinese. In SK
Kampong Endah, Banting, Selangor, 80 per cent of their ping pong, handball, track and field, cross-
country, netball, bowling, and football athletes are Malays. In SK Sungai Buaya, Banting Selangor,
all of their rugby, football, netball, badminton and track and field atheltes are Malays. In Sekolah
Seri Cahaya, Shah Alam, Selangor, 90 per cent of their basketball 37 | P a g e MALAYSIA RACIAL
DISCRIMINATION REPORT 2017 players are Chinese, while 70 per cent of their football athletes
are Malays. In Sekolah Tenby, Ipoh, 90 per cent of their basketball athletes are Chinese. Thus, we
need to promote multiracialism not only at the elite level, but at youth and grassroots levels.
Schools are probably the best ‘playground’ for such inter-racial encounters to occur and for
friendships to form. So primary schools can possibly introduce a wide variety of sports to young
students and let them choose from there the particular sports they may eventually pursue. The media
can also help to establish more positive coverage over all aspects of local sports. This is to ensure
that sports in Malaysia is more open and inclusive, and not only focusing on some popular sports.
Advancements in technology, mobile gadgets and social media are making people oblivious to
others around them and not interested in outdoor activities. In a multiracial, multicultural and
multireligious society like Malaysia, it means weaker national integration, solidarity and unity.
Sports facilities development in Malaysia are inadequate compared to the overall development of
sports at the international level. We have seen a lot of field and sport facilities unattended and in
declining condition. A student once died after football goalposts fell on him while he was playing in
a school field. Commercial development has acquired a lot of sport facilities, especially in urban
areas. Just look around and you will notice that football fields and playgrounds have vanished,
including in schools. Without a football field, without a sport facility, how can we play sports? Let
us not destroy what little we have. The declining importance given to sports in the school system
and by parents alike are also seen as shrinking the available talent pool. Some schools don’t even
have a field big enough for pupils to play football, let alone other facilities such as a hockey field.
Previously, the bastion of hockey was in urban areas, especially in the secondary schools. However,
most of these schools have lost their hockey fields and hockey is no longer played at these schools.
The majority of Tamil schools in the country are not only not fully aided but also lack basic
infrastructural facilities. Most of Sekolah Kebangsaan or Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan don’t
have basketball courts, while some of Chinese schools don’t even have a football field. In SK Jalan
Kebun Baharu, Teluk Panglima Garang; SK Kampung Endah, Banting; and SK Sungai Buaya,
Banting Selangor, there is no basketball arena for the students. Parents need to emphasise their
children’s personal fulfilment and satisfaction. The children’s decision should be made based on
what they are passionate about. Parents should realise that their children can still pursue their
sporting aspirations without compromising on their education. Schools and football clubs need to
work together to come up with the best plan for the athletes to train and compete while also
ensuring that he/ she does not miss out on getting his/ her educational qualifications. The
promulgation of the National Sports Policy in 1988 shows that the government sees sport as an
important part of Malaysian society. However, in Malaysia, sports were deemed to be little more
than another social institution subject to affirmative action policies. As a result, sports were a weak
driver for social change. In fact, sports have a vital function in MALAYSIA RACIAL
DISCRIMINATION REPORT 2017 38 | P a g e social cohesion and has a significant part to play in
the development of political policy and law. The importance of a ‘sport for all’ aspiration at the
individual, social and national levels in Malaysia needs to be explored. The strong support of people
of various races proves that sports can unite the people. We are all Malaysians first, and sports
should welcome people of every colour. With all the constraints we face, we have to think of ways
to increase the meeting points. Being a Malaysian does not make anyone less Malay, Chinese,
Indian, Kadazan or Iban, and they should start accepting each other as Malaysians regardless of race
and religion. Unity should begin with individuals and every Malaysian should strengthen it by
speaking in one voice that represents all Malaysians. The choice is ours. Of course, there is never a
full stop to the issue of racism. However, since we live in a multiracial country, we need to work
hard to curb racism in our country. To unite a nation after each intensely fought general election,
sports is the most effective and viable remedy to bring citizens of all political inclinations and races
together, under a common platform. Racism is an issue that is plaguing the world and if things get
worse, it will not be good for the development of sports in Malaysia. One thing is certain: as long as
you are Malaysian, your skin colour has nothing to do with it. Racism is not a petty issue. Racism
has to stop! Article by: Zairudin Hashim (Che Din)86

Collective efforts by multi-stakeholders are needed to combat the rising incidences of religious and
racial discrimination in Malaysia. The government especially have to be willing and ready to
engage with civil society organisations, academicians, media and other sectors of Malaysian society
to address this phenomenon. Firstly, as Malaysia is a member of the United Nations, the Malaysian
Government has to adhere to and ensure the implementation of the universally accepted documents
such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG). The Malaysian government has to also implement the basic human rights spelled out
in the Federal Constitution. In addition, the Malaysian Government should also sign and ratify the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
Serious attention needs to be given to the policy and practices to address the issue of racism and
racial discrimination in Malaysia. It is timely for Malaysia to institutionalise a new Malaysia where
every Malaysian is treated equally. The Government of Malaysia needs to respect and engage
diversity in a human rights way, in congruence with international standards and norms. To conclude
the 2017 report, several significant recommendations are proposed to the Malaysian government. •
The government to lead the initiatives to carry out intense and widespread public and social
awareness education through mass campaigns, public information and especially through the formal
education system, in order to educate, promote and instill consciousness and eradicate racism and
discrimination at all levels of the Malaysian society. Starting from Government Ministers,
Parliament members, State Assemblymen; all senior politicians, Town and City mayors and local
councilors, Department heads and senior staff members in all government agencies and departments
of the civil service and all enforcement agencies must be involved. • The government in
collaboration with CSOs must continue to diligently and systematically monitor, check and ensure
zero tolerance for policy and practices of racism and discrimination in all levels of governance. •
The government must be willing to impose heavy legal and formal sanctions (in line with
international human rights norms) on any government Ministers, senior officers, elected
representatives, organisations and groups, individuals, politicians, mass and social media groups
who exhibit, racist and discriminatory tendencies in speech and actions. • The Malaysian people
must be meaningfully engaged and be part of the process of implementing these recommendations.
The government should also immediately release its findings and recommendations made in the
National Unity Blueprint put forth by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) established
in 2013. The people must have access to view the National Harmony Act proposed by NUCC which
balances the right to 45 | P a g e MALAYSIA RACIAL DISCRIMINATION REPORT 2017
freedom of expression and the criminalising of hate speech in adherence to international human
rights norms. • Malaysia has been waiting for far too long for the ratification of the International
Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). The ratification of ICERD must
be moved fast. ICERD strengthens and commits its members towards the elimination of racial
discrimination, the promotion of equality and unity among all races and requires them to create
mechanisms, change laws and policies to minimise and eradicate racial discrimination and condemn
any group or organisation that perpetuates it. To date, 176 United Nations member states have
ratified ICERD but sadly Malaysia has not ratified the convention. It is among the 15 countries,
including North Korea, which have not ratified this convention. • The government must remove
reservations on non-discrimination and equal opportunity in the Convention on the Rights of the
Child (CRC)92 particularly Article 2 (1)(2) and 14 (1); and its declaration made upon ratifying the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD)93 . • The government must uphold not
renege on its promises and declarations to eliminate all forms of intolerance, discrimination and
incitement of hatred based on religion and beliefs they have committed to international and regional
platforms such as the UPR process in Geneva and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration.

https://komas.org/v2/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Malaysia-Racial-Discrimination-Report-2017.pdf

MANY people, both locally and abroad, have looked to the French football team to prove a point that,
despite having players from diverse backgrounds and not merely of French origin, the team could still
score and win the World Cup.
It’s understandable because the Les Blues recently won the 2018 World Cup in style, their second in 20
years. However, 90 per cent of its players have migrant background and no one, including the political
parties in France, has questioned the diversity in this team.
We, in Malaysia, used to have similar glories in the 1970s and 1980s, where our national football team
had many legends of diverse ethnic backgrounds, such as Mokhtar Dahari, Soh Chin Aun, Santokh
Singh and R. Arumugam.
Formally established in 1963, the Malaysian football team was one of Asia’s most formidable in that era
and it had also inspired Ola Bola, a box office sports football film directed by Chiu Keng Guan in 2016.
The film was inspired by the glories of the Malaysian national football team which successfully entered
the 1980 Summer Olympics.
Many Malaysians, particularly the older generation, might have known the “Harimau Malaya” team,
which had a mix of players, including Hassan Sani, Wong Fook Chuan, N. Thanabalan and James
Wong.
Our history, including the composition and success of our football team, has an important lesson for all
of us in terms of diversity and unity.
It is essential for Malaysians to learn from the football experiences and achievements that we can
succeed as a nation.
Clearly, the most urgent task of all Malaysians — irrespective of race, religion and political affiliation —
is to ensure racial and religious harmony in our beloved nation.
As responsible and patriotic Malaysians, it is our profound duty to work for peace, harmony, unity and
refrain from acts of provocation and violence which will result in conflict and chaos.
Looking at racial and religious issues being exploited by certain quarters, I hope that Malaysians will
never allow the harmonious relations to be threatened by racial polarisation, which could lead to
discord, and lack of
understanding and mutual respect.
To prevent Malaysians from drifting apart, it is the people of all races who must be concerned about the
future of our nation and be prepared to be ethnic bridge builders and not ethnic heroes.
I believe that the adoption of the Rukun Negara principles and in-depth understanding of the Federal
Constitution is the cornerstone.
An in-depth understanding and practice of Rukun Negara is essential for our young generation, who are
the future leaders of our country.
We should also find ways to improve the understanding of the five principles as expounded in the
Rukun Negara, especially among the younger generation.
It is our duty to propagate and promote the five principles of the Rukun Negara and help reinforce
patriotism among the people.
With better awareness and understanding of the principles of the Rukun Negara, our children will
accept the fact that Malaysia is a unique country in which its people of diverse races and religions can
live safely and respect each other.
Multiracial living and community are part of our history and heritage. They have become a key source of
racial integration for years and have played a part in making Malaysia a harmonious place to live, learn,
work and play.
We need to remember that tolerance and respect among the ethnic groups, as outlined in the Federal
Constitution and Rukun Negara, are key to peace and harmony in a multiracial and religious country
like Malaysia.
To this effect, I would like to share a brilliant quote by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah:
“Malaysians of all races, religions and geographic locations need to believe beyond a shadow of a
doubt that they have a place under the Malaysian sun.”
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Kuala Lumpur
https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2018/08/397727/united-we-stand-divided-we-fall

http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/echoes_of_the_past/sports_development_through_the_years.html

YOUTH and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman must review the lopsided
participation of various races in Malaysian sports even though such activities were used to
promote multiculturalism and social integration in the early 50s-70s.
The approach of multiculturalism education in sports back then supported national unity
and equality at the school, district, state and national levels.
Many athletes came from various ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds during those times,
which allowed the sportsmen and sportswomen to intermingle, respect and understand
cultural differences, and promoted tolerance, equality and harmony.
The nation’s sportsmen and sportswomen were well represented at the Seap, Asian,
Commonwealth and Olympic Games. In order to develop links within the communities, it is
important to build confidence within teams of the local sporting communities. However,
these teams must be made up of different groups of people.
Currently, team sports like hockey, football, basketball and badminton are dominated by a
particular ethnic group. We need to mix the teams just like our national football team,
which qualified for the 1972 Munich and 1980 Moscow Olympics.
There must be greater emphasis on a policy of diversity in sports participation at schools
and universities, and on students taking diversity classes with the idea of bringing students
together to promote social inclusion and development.
In order to understand sports and multiculturalism in a plural society like Malaysia, we need
multicultural education and fair policies towards track scholarship and career opportunities
for multiracial participation at the highest level.
As former UEFA president and former French and Juventus football star Michel Platini said,
“grassroots sports is an extraordinary catalyst for ethnic intermixing and integration.
Football in particular is a welcoming, protecting and integrating sport.”
It would do a world of good if there were policies encouraging Malaysian sports
associations, parents, teachers and coaches to play a pertinent role in supporting and
organising multicultural sporting activities.
We also need the school curriculum to encourage multiculturalism in sports and not a
sports policy which works against integration and the development of individuals’ potential
holistically.
C.SATHASIVAM SITHERAVELLU

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2018/10/19/promote-

multiculturalism-in-malaysian-sports/#fuuS6H6LrI4kLfCD.99

https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2018/10/19/promote-multiculturalism-in-malaysian-
sports/

https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2018/10/19/promote-multiculturalism-in-malaysian-
sports

This has been the greatest injustice in particular the Indians who has severely marginalized here. To
make things worse for themselves, the Indian community, they have not been smart enough to chart
their future intelligently since the time they arrive in this country. Though they worked hard since
arriving in Malaya majority of the Indians worked as labourers in rubber estates, road works,
railways and building constructions but they failed to build their economic wealth for better future.
The Indians were generally very naive and not aggressive in their approach when they want obtain
something valuable, this is the biggest weakness and drawback of the Indian community since the
early days. The other important factor which is also the one of main reasons why the Indian
community lags very much behind other races in this country is their disunity. From day one they
never seems to get together in one voice to obtain something and make the right decision in unison.
The British divided us and ruled so that they can meet their objective but the Indians foolishly
continued with this character. Even today the disunity is very much alive and continued. The
organisation which is responsible to take care and improve the socioeconomic disparities has not
live up to its purpose. It is an uphill battle for the Indians to get to get their fair share of economic
pie today. The chinese are well positioned economically and well united to take on anyone standing
in their way threatening their wellbeings. The malays are well programmed to dominate the
government sector and their welfare and economic position in all aspects is protected permanently.
What about the Indians ? what has future in store for them, their children and their future?
The biggest losers are the poor Indians deprived of economic opportunities. In private sectors there
is very less opportunities for the indians because it is majority controlled by the chinese. In the
government sector it is fully controlled by the malays. It is very tactfully said that the Indians are
not interested to join to government jobs, what a lie to cover up an injustice. Even in private chinese
businesses malays are employed because to attract malay customers, so what is going to happen to
the Indians?

Athlete urging Malaysians to not turn his loss to a Racial Issue

Date: 28 May 2017
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Agilan Thani had urged Malaysians not to turn his loss in
the ONE Welterweight World Championships fights into a racial issue. According to Agilan,
several quarters had turned his loss into a racial issue by stating that he is an Indian; hence,
the Government of Malaysia does not support him. Agilan clarified that it was difficult for
him to receive government sponsorship because of the high risk of injury in MMA as
compared to other sports that Malaysians participate in. He highlighted that he identifies
himself as a Malaysian who was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur10
. Abolishment of Race-based Football Associations
Date: 5 October 2017
Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim disbanded the Johor Malays, Indian and Chinese associations.
The three associations will be rebranded as clubs and be allowed to compete in the Johor
district leagues. Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim was further quoted as saying that “We don’t
need these types of associations. The Sultan of Johor has been making the state an example
for unit ratify eeded to combat the rising incidences of
religious and racial discrimination in Malaysia. The government especially have to be willing/