Middle Malaysia – Better than 1 Malaysia

Taken from The Malaysian Insider

What is “Middle Malaysia” all about?

That has been the question since the past weekend.

“Middle Malaysia prefers co-operation not conflict, consultation instead of confrontation and an inclusive, shared society rather than an exclusive, separate society.

A shared society is one that celebrates diversity and assures everyone a place in society by guaranteeing democratic participation, respect for diversity and human dignity, offering equal opportunity; and protection from discrimination.”

Those are the words of Lim Guan Eng.

Middle Malaysia better than 1 Malaysia

Some see that as high on rhetoric while others think “Middle Malaysia” sounds more realistic than the vague 1 Malaysia. For the Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general, “Middle Malaysia belongs to every Malaysian”.

But what does it mean anyway?

At first glance, the ideals Lim puts forward would seem an attractive catch-phrase meant for the middle class, an often neglected group in Malaysia.

There is no concrete definition of Malaysia’s middle class, but it is safe to say that they are neither the poor nor the rich of this country.

Who really are the champion of the poor?

All political parties love to portray themselves as the champions of the poor. Not many are interested in the hope and aspirations of the middle class.

In terms of winning votes, some leaders in DAP believe that the middle class, in particular the Chinese and Indians who had shifted their political support from Barisan Nasional in the 2008 general election, is expected to continue with the same trend in the next election.

A dream of a fair and democratic country

The problem, according to some of them, is the Malay middle class. And this group of people are not necessarily those English-speaking liberals who dream of a truly fair and democratic society.

What some DAP leaders, or at least its secretary-general, seem to refer to is the “Melayu Baru” middle class or as some would have it, the Shah Alam and the Bangi middle class. Most of them are said to be Umno supporters although some are critical of the lack of reform within the party, in particular money politics and political backstabbing that have become its hallmark.

A Hope for a better Malaysia

This is the group of people that the DAP leader believes can see beyond political rhetoric. Although some may think that Lim is either too idealistic or naïve, they are the potential voters that might shift their allegiance in the hope for a better Malaysia.

As many Malaysians find it difficult to think beyond race politics at present, it is almost impossible for Lim or DAP to do anything to convince the Malay middle class to change their vote.

Thus “Middle Malaysia” seems like a rallying cry for DAP’s partners in Pakatan Rakyat to facilitate the change in the country’s dominant demographic and community.

This means DAP will have to work hard to win the non-Malay votes including getting more support from the middle class — some who are still loyal to MCA, Gerakan, MIC and other component parties within Barisan, which has ruled the nation since its predecessor won Merdeka in 1957.

Gaining more trust from voters across the racial divide – and based on new values and aspiration

The Malay-dominated PKR and PAS will need to do more to gain the trust of the Malays; not just those in rural areas but also among the urban professionals.

The combined strength between PKR and PAS is the formula needed to win the hearts and minds of the middle class Malays. For a start, PKR and PAS will have to fully utilise their agreed “Muafakat Baru”, the Pakatan common platform, by sharing them with the Malays.

Middle Malaysia is a common stance in Pakatan Rakyat

“Middle Malaysia” therefore is not a new “Malaysian Malaysia” for DAP but rather a common stand within Pakatan, as well as for any Malaysian who shares the dream of a new and fairer society.

The sad reality however is that politics is Malaysia will continue to dwell on race and ethnic issues, hence the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazandusun references in terms of political support and votes.

Pakatan Rakyat is making effort to capture Putra Jaya

To optimists, such as Lim, at the very least “Middle Malaysia” is a step forward in Pakatan’s aim of capturing Putrajaya. It’s not an end in itself; it’s just a means to achieve the aim.

Popularity: 23% [?]

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January 23, 2010 · Filed Under Politic

Comments

6 Responses to “Middle Malaysia – Better than 1 Malaysia”

Middle Malaysia – Better than 1 Malaysia : Dr. John Brian Anthony … « Percuma Untuk Anda on January 23rd, 2010 3:09 am

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Middle Malaysia – Better than 1 Malaysia : Dr. John Brian Anthony … | Malay Today on January 23rd, 2010 6:26 am

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Manang Empangau on January 23rd, 2010 11:13 am

Enti slogan nya nyadi Middle Malaysia, nya nyau baka polisi Igat Awg Middle ga nya punggal. Jai akal kaban nya!
dayaklama on January 23rd, 2010 10:48 pm

What Mr.Middle Lim is trying to say is really Malaysia for Malaysian. To achieve the goal is to do away with the NEP and the “son of the soil” privileges. Well Mr.Lim to get the Malaysians to to agree with you, they want to see your rocket take off from the launching pad.
Zailani on January 24th, 2010 10:20 pm

Congratulations to LGE on Middle Malaysia. However its still a long way before the public would believe that the DAP has moved away from its chineseness image. Unless you can get Zaid Ibrahim to really join you and be President. Tg Razeleigh is another good choice. He is still hoping to be PM. He is UMNO though like Zaid, he may just leave unless he is kicked out for talking too much about everything. DAP image might take a turn. Even if it doesnt, the PR platform should be good enough as you got all sorts of people there. Including the Pas Ulama’s. One day all these quys will have to come to the middle of somewhere. The middle is where everyone should be. But you need to also kicked out UMNO, MCA, MIC, Gerakan and others ‘cos they are occupying the seat now. They are there, maybe not on two thirds but a majority still.Not that easy, Sloganeering is a start. BN does that too. How about more concrete promise on upholding the constitution. You are going for regime change. I heard the PR said that they will change the constitution. This will create a war in this country. Is that going to the middle? I think you are confusing many of us. We dont mind a new government. But changing everything? The Rakyat is not ready for any violent change. We want a middle Malaysia that is peacefull. If you cant manage it, stop trying.
uchu paloi on January 24th, 2010 11:42 pm

THERE IS NO WAR BROKE OUT WHEN LDP LOST IN JAPAN.
THERE IS NO WAR IN INDONESIA WHEN SUHARTO FALL DOWN.SAME TO PHILIPINE WHEN MARCOS WAS OUSTED.
AND IF YOU THINKS THAT THE CHANGE OF THE CONSTITUTION WILL CREATE A WAR TO THIS COUNTRY AND IF THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION,SO BE IT.ONLY WAR CAN CHANGE HISTORY.SO,WHERE IS YOUR RESPONSIBLE GOMEN FOR PEACE & SECURITY?…..RUBBISH.