It is an interesting subject to talk about.
Let me quote what Dr. Mahathir said in his (in)famous book, The Malay Dilema. According to Tun, in his book, , “a Malay by definition is one who profess the Islamic faith. This insistence has confined the acquisition of Malay citizenship to Indonesians, Arabs and Indian Muslims. Thus we have Malays who are distinctively Arab, Indonesian or Indian.” Based on his writing, he believe in
Generally, the Malays see us as a fellow Malay despite of our origin. Personally, I have a lot of Malay friends who accepted me as a Malay and make me part of them.
Now, let look at what the Federal Constitution definition of Malay. i.e
- Profess the religion of islam,
- Habitually speaks the Malay language,
- Conforms to Malay custom,
- Born in
Perhaps, this could be the reason why some Indian Muslims can be UMNO members and even a Mentri Besar. Also not to be missed the former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir. Based on the above definition in Federal Constitution, KIMMA request the Government to recognise Indian Muslim as a bumiputera status. I know some don’t agree to this.
The older generation prefers to be Indian Muslim. They contend that as an Indian and Tamil is our language, we must defend all the way. I guess we must respect their views. Like it or not, they are absolutely right. A good exemplary individual that I can think of is Tan Sri S.O.K Ubaidullah.
I personally felt that many Malays accept us as their Malay brothers. For this reason, we too must accept them. I don’t feel awkward or feel small when I joined them. In short, Islam is the reason for all this to happen. Directly or indirectly, I get a lot of benefit by doing this.
But dear bros and sisters, I do agree that there are some who thinks that the Islam is for them only. This is where you will notice that your salam is not answered simply because you are dark skinned and are Indian. And more so, some of them purposely wish Deepavali or Thaipusam greetings despite knowing that we are Muslims. But let be assured that the majority of them are good people.
The older generation prefers to be called Indian Muslim. We can see some say ‘Saya mamak la! Or Saya
The newer generation beg to differ. Many I see, think and call themselves Malay. One simple thing, some cannot even speak or write Tamil or only speak with broken language to the parent. They speak English or Malay well but often refused to learn Tamil or associate with the Indian Muslims culture. Are we suppose to ignore it or make amend to this, we have to find out.
How about inter-marriages with Malays. Are we ready to accept it. To what extent. Perhaps, we may accept our sons to take their daughters but will refuse to surrender the daughters to their sons. But this may change in future. We never know. If there is a subject on this in future then I will reserve my comments.
I reproduced part of the Bernama report on what Tun Mahathir said:-
“To a claim that the Indian Muslims in the country had been neglected, he said they should choose to either become a Muslim or an Indian.
"The country is very liberal and I think they (Indian Muslims) will be accepted by all if they can pick either to become a Muslim or Indian."
Tun Mahathir said there was no difference between the various races as everyone were Malaysians. "The federal constitution also defined a Muslim very clearly.
If they want to become a Muslim then just follow the constitution."
He said if Indian Muslims in the country still called themselves as such, others might think that they still had links to the origin country. "The problem of Indian Muslims will be resolved if they can decide and choose to become either a Muslim or an Indian," he added.”
I think it does no harm to take Dr. M’s advice. If calling ourselves Malay will provide the benefit and achievements, then why not. After all, one day, we will return the deeds to our Muslim brothers especially Malays and Nation.
Like a friend of mine quoted. It is not what Dr. M tells Indian Muslim. It is what Dr. M tells “HIS PEOPLE”.
Salam
Mohd Faisal
1 comment:
Lets get a bit more realistic here.
Being a constitution-defined Malay doesnt make one a Bumiputera. Other wise, the likes of Hussin Yee, Ridhuan Tee, Tun Omar Ong, Mustapha Ong and the Mah family would be up in arms and demand similar status be accorded to Chinese Muslims. There are enough Chinese Bumiputeras in Borneo that we have to contend with already.
In short, the Bumiputera status was created to protect the customary rights and interests of the natives from the immigrants irrespective where the have come from - China, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc. Inmmigrants cant be natives!
KIMMA, for whatever its worth, should once & for all decide which side its going to take. It cant go on to (try to) have the best of both worlds. If it wants recognition as Malays for its members, then it should be dissolved and its members can join um-NO or any other Malay party.
Otherwise, its should be a new political platform to represent the Indian Muslim community unless its members are willing to join the MIC and fight for their rights just like the late SOK Ubaidullah (for what a great man he is!). Remember that the MIC was formed to represent the Indian community irrespective of faiths and beliefs.
So, KIMMA has got to be realistic here where it cant be fighting to preserve the Tamil language and Indian culture of its members and yet at the same time, wanting recognition and equal status as a Malay for its members. You cant have the cake and eat it as well!!!
The crude alternative is that it can also choose to dissolve and persuade its members to return to India and live their lives as Indians.
The choices are clear and obvious. KIMMA has to make its stand and stop being greedy in wanting the best of both worlds.
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