Johor's new race relations policy

I had tried to find the link of this interview with new Johor Menteri Besar DS Mohamed Khaled Nordin in the NST's website but failed to do so. I instead found it at Chuah Bee Kim's blog here,

MB that is driven by values

The following are excerpts from the interview which I believe explain the race relations policy of Khaled's administration,

Question: After what happened in GE13 where Umno’s allies in BN. particularly MCA and Gerakan suffered severe losses, how are you going to lead the coalition in Johor to regain lost ground?

Answer: First, we have to look into the results — is this the worst for BN or it could have been worse? (Former Singapore premier) Lee Kuan Yew said the opposition in this country will never form the goernment at the federal level.  The situation will be like this as the Chinese community cannot win in the rural areas.  so, is this the worst? Second, we know their (opposition’s) win was because of issues that they brought up during the general election.

In the next four or five years, the Chinese community should be made aware that they were used as tools.  The fanning of racial sentiments caused a large majority of them to sway to the opposition.

Today, at the state asembly, the opposition asked whether the menteri besar will appoint a representative (in their constituencies) and whether there are special funds available as practised by the last administration.  The opposition knows it needs this.  Previously, if BN lost a state seat, the menteri besar would appoint a representative and also allocate funds for that constituency.  This time round, there will be no representative or funds.

The people will need to look at this situation and see whether this is what they want.  we have to educate voters so that they understand that they are the losers if they fall for the opposition’s campaigns.

Question: One of your earliest statements was that you are a menteri besar for all Johoreans.  But now certain quarters have alleged that you are Malay-centric.  Your reaction?

Answer: It’s simple., in whatever relationship that you have, you need to look at it from the point of view of values.  If you help me, and I was not thankful and did not reciprocate, what will your views be on this matter?

I think all civilisations teach us about respect and being thankful.  But at times, people are pretentious, arrogant and put on different faces to deceive us.  The government is always willing to assist, but those who receive also need to show that they are sincere.

If Umno is considered racist, there won’t be any progress for the other races.  Let’s talk about the economy, where are all the races in terms of economic progress? Let’s talk about education, where are they now? if Umno is racist, I think the Chinese community will not be where they are today.  They claim that they are being treated differently, but that thinking is deliberately sown in them.

The claims that I am Malay-centric are made to sow fear and weaken the government.  for me, any plans made will be for the benefit of the rakyet.

If I am Malay-centric, I won’t be close to the Indian community.  But the reality is the Indian community is close to me.  When we meet each other, we don’t have to pretend.  I don’t want to lead a pretentious life.  If you come to me, and you ask for my help, and after I help you, you say all sorts of things behind my back, where are the values?

So, if you want to say that I’m Malay-centric, no, I am no.  I am driven by values.  That’s all.  If a person beats me up and I continue to allow the person to do so, I would be stupid.

Question: In Johor, Umno has always been unique in its history and tradition as the state is the party’s birthplace and has always been its bastion.  How are you going to maintain this position and strengthen it further?

Answers: Umno leaders at all levels must understand that Umno does not work in isolation.  Umno represents the Malays.  That’s why in the early days, Umno is Malay, and Malay is Umno.  So, any effort to corrode Umno will also corrode Malays.

To make sure that this does not happens in Johor, Umno needs to take action to respect and safeguard Malay interests.  At the same time, it must be an entity which can be relied upon by people of other races.  And our foundation to administer should be based on fairness and thoroughness rather than fairness and equality.

If Umno can show that it can champion the Malays and not just party members, then in that way, the Malays can be united under Umno and stability can be restored in the community.  As in the past, Umno must also show that it is not a power-hungry party but capable of sharing with other races and bringing about positive results.  You don’t have to fear if Umno remains as the backbone of the government.  No race should fear that they will be left behind.  But Umno must be right in representing and championing the Malays.  Go back to the original struggle where Umno takes care of the Malays and not its members only.