Anyone can be leader -Anyone can be Prime Minister

Did not God...Allah create all human persons equal?

So, I do not at all feel good with all this talk about "Ketuanan Melayu" and "Malay Supremacy" - it sounds as though we advocate the notion that there are some races that are superior to others...and that I believe, is against the notion that all persons are equal...

In Germany there was a belief of Aryan supremacy - then the rice of the Nazi's - then...the extermination of the Jews..

In the US, of course there was the supremacy of the 'white races' for a very long time - the African Americans were even thought to be 'soul-less'.

We definitely do not want to cultivate the notion that there are superior and inferior races in Malaysia - do we now?

Therefore, those who propagate the usage of such terms that depicts that one race (or group of persons) are superior to another must stop doing so now.

Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal called on MPs not to twist the ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy) issue for the sake of gaining political mileage.

Shafie, who also called for open debates on such matters to cease, said ketuanan Melayu didn’t mean that the culture of master and underling existed in the country because the country practised democratic principles based on constitutional monarchy. - Star, 3/12/2008 - Rafidah: Don’t discuss race, religion openly

Yes, many a time the persons who use such terms that derograte other races and religions do so so for the sake of getting political mileage...and other warped reasons.

Rafidah seem to want us not to discuss race and religious issues - and that is just the wrong solution. We must discuss it...and discuss it with openness. There must an effort also of educating peoples in Malaysia about the different religions and cultures - so that there will be a better understanding. There must a highlighting of the so many common elements that unite...

Edward Dagul seem to see things more clearly - and I too, like him, believe that the day has come when race-based political parties must become a thing of the past.

"We urge Mukhriz to be honest to himself and admit that the real problem lies with the politicians in the current communal-based political party system found within the Barisan Nasional coalition," Sapp Youth chief Edward Dagul said in a statement to Malaysiakini today.

These BN policy-makers' racial ideologies have meant that Umno champions only Malay causes, MCA for the Chinese community and MIC for Indians, he said, adding that when society sees this as the ruling coalition's formula for national integration, the concept of compartmentalisation is accepted.

"That's why no one will speak up for another Malaysian if not of the same race. The idea of ‘better left to someone of their own kind' will seep in. This results in further polarisation," Dagul said.

He said Sapp is disappointed that Mukhriz has decided to adopt this stand.

"It is nothing more than an exercise to garner more support in his bid for the Umno Youth chief's post," the Sapp Youth chief said, adding that the Jerlun MP should focus on Bangsa Malaysia and Wawasan 2020 as advocated by his father, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, instead of harping on racially sensitive issues.

"The country's success lies in its diverse cultures and the mutual respect shown for one another," Dagul said. - Malaysiakini, 3/12/2008 - Sapp: Race-based parties the problem, not vernacular schools

Chua Soi Lek of MCA also expressed on the matter...

MCA deputy president Chua Soi Lek today said that it was time to change the concept of power sharing within Barisan Nasional.

MCPX

He said that the oft-used slogan of ‘Ketuanan Melayu', or Malay supremacy, that indicated a master and servant relationship was unacceptable. - Malaysiakini, 27/11/2008 - 'We accept Malay leadership, not Malay supremacy'

However, I cannot agree the MCA's blind acceptance to Malay leadership. Leadership is an issue that will be decided by the people - by the majority, and race, religion, cultural background, caste, class, gender and all such factors are irrelevant - and the best person/s must be chosen to be the leaders of communities and even the government. I, Charles Hector, also hope that I can and maybe I would be the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Let us move away from this discussion on terms and definitions - and get down to discussing what we can do to make Malaysia a better and a more just place to live.