Tajuddin Rasdi’s recent article in Free Malaysia Today, titled “Get Ready for an Umno-PAS-GPS-GRS Govt,” is just the latest example of reverse psychology and fear-mongering aimed at swinging non-Malay voters back to Pakatan Harapan (PH).
It paints a dystopian picture of a potential Umno-PAS-GPS-GRS coalition as the end of everything we hold dear, implying that without PH, non-Malays will lose it all. But let’s be real: we have nothing to lose because, frankly, we’ve had nothing to begin with in the first place.
This narrative doesn’t hold water anymore, and it’s time to call it out for what it is – a desperate tactic to cling to power without delivering real results.
First, stop acting like our rights are hanging by a thread, protected only by the benevolence of a prime minister, politicians, or any single party.
Our fundamental rights aren’t gifts from PH or anyone else; they’re enshrined in the Federal Constitution. No government can strip them away overnight without facing massive backlash and legal challenges. We’ve lived through over 60 years under Barisan Nasional (BN) and 33 months under Perikatan Nasional (PN), and guess what? We’re still here. Those eras weren’t perfect – far from it – but they weren’t the apocalypse either. This isn’t something new or unprecedented; we’ve navigated similar coalitions before, and life went on.
The idea that a 100% Bumiputera government would lead to Malays turning on non-Malays is not just outdated; it’s insulting. We’re heading into 2026, not 1969. Malaysians of all backgrounds coexist every day – in workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. No one is plotting mass murder or erasure. In fact, look at the leadership in GPS and GRS: they’re often more multiracial, fair, and inclusive than many current PH figures.
These East Malaysian parties have shown a pragmatic approach to governance that prioritizes harmony over division. Why paint them as villains when they’ve demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity that PH sometimes lacks?
And let’s debunk the myth that PH is the ultimate protector of non-Malays. History proves otherwise.
PH has had its chances, yet we’ve seen broken promises on reforms and a failure to address core issues.
Stop blaming non-Malay voters for being “impatient” about reforms – not all changes require endless time; many just need political will.
How long does it take to avoid reappointing Azam Baki as MACC chief for a fourth time? Or to place the MACC chief’s appointment under parliamentary oversight? Why does it take four years to refund RM20-30 billion in overpaid taxes when other countries manage it in three weeks? What about restoring waivers for first-class PTPTN graduates or abolishing the SST increase for private university students – things that never happened under BN or PN? These aren’t pie-in-the-sky demands; they’re straightforward fixes that could have been done yesterday.
Speaking of blame, enough with scapegoating Rafizi Ramli’s weekly podcasts for the administration’s weaknesses and failures. Is it wrong for him to fight for independence in judicial appointments? To call out corrupt practices by a former PM’s political secretary? To question the ART deal that’s jeopardizing our sovereignty? Or to challenge Azam Baki’s third reappointment? Rafizi is highlighting real issues that PH should be addressing, not deflecting. Blaming him is just a distraction from the government’s own shortcomings.
On the economic front, it is misleading to claim that there will be no more freebies for civil servants and the B40 group. Civil servants just got a RM10 billion salary increment, costing an extra RM10 billion annually – that’s hardly austerity. Cash handouts, which cost RM5-7 billion yearly under BN or PN, have ballooned to RM15 billion under PH. Yet, has this swung civil service support to PH? No. Has it made the B40 grateful and loyal? Not really. These “freebies” aren’t winning hearts; they’re just bloating the budget without fixing systemic problems.
Non-Malays aren’t demanding spots in UiTM either – that’s a strawman argument. We’re questioning why UEC recognition is scapegoated for weakening Bahasa Melayu, while UiTM, the supposed champion of race, language, and religion, teaches all their courses in English. It’s hypocritical. And don’t get me started on the rejected parallel pathway for cardiothoracic specialists. Our healthcare system is short on manpower, heart disease deaths are rising, yet we’re rejecting qualified professionals over race and religion? That’s not protection; it’s stupidity that costs lives. How many more years – and lives – before we prioritize health over politics?
The narrative that Anwar Ibrahim is tirelessly fighting corruption falls flat too. The Auditor-General’s report highlights RM122 billion in annual civil service mismanagement, leakages, and wastage. What’s been done about it? Instead, efforts seem focused on targeting political opponents.
And remember Teoh Beng Hock? We were told finding his murderer was impossible, yet now with the latest case in Malacca, what investigations are underway? Past impossibilities become possible when convenient – so what’s the excuse now?
Finally, the cultural fear-mongering is laughable. Stop warning that PAS in power means no more alcohol or concerts. There were more concerts under BN and PN than during the Madani era. GPS and GRS leaders won’t let PAS ban alcohol outright; they’ve got their own priorities. Heck, there’s even a sexy dance mini-concert in Bachok under PAS in Kelantan. Meanwhile, it was the Madani government that banned Dolla’s video over dress code. Anwar nearly banned alcohol in Chinese school halls for private functions – something BN and PN never did. PAS’s Haim Hilman in Kedah launched an event with all-Mandarin signage, while under Madani, KL Chinese signboards were taken down. Sanusi even allocated RM150,000 to 21 SJK Cina and Tamil schools in poor Kedah – not much, but the symbolism matters. Compare that to Anwar giving RM500 to each Indonesian student in Malaysia. Who’s really looking out for local non-Malays?
And please, stop the tired “If not Anwar, then who?” narrative. It’s just a lazy shield to cover his and PH’s shortcomings – it doesn’t fix anything.
Anwar is not immortal; he won’t be here forever. One day, we’ll all have to live in Malaysia without him, just like we did without previous leaders. This tactic might work if Anwar was truly performing, delivering on promises, and proving himself irreplaceable. Then, maybe we’d worry about losing such a great leader.
But the reality? He’s not markedly better than those before him, so why even ask the question?
Malaysia is full of capable, progressive leaders waiting in the wings: Abang Johari Openg and Awang Tengah from Sarawak’s GPS; Hajiji Noor, Ali Akbar, and Shafie Apdal from Sabah’s ; Rafizi Ramli poised for a stronger future role; Johari Ghani in UMNO; Khairy Jamaluddin on his way back; and the list goes on. Leadership talent isn’t scarce – it’s abundant across parties and regions.
Instead of scaring us with “Without PH, then how?”, start focusing on the real questions: What must Anwar and PH do right now to regain our trust, restore our hope, and earn back our votes?
Deliver the reforms, fix the economy, fight corruption fairly, and prioritise all Malaysians equally.
In the end, stop making it seem like without PH, it’s the end of the world for non-Malays. We’re used to it. With or without politicians, our lives don’t change much – we’ve always practiced “kita jaga kita sendiri.”
If you want our votes, deliver real results and reforms. Drop the rhetoric, excuses, and fear tactics. We don’t need you more than you need us. It’s time for accountability, not manipulation. Non-Malays are smarter than that, and we’re done being scared into submission.
Source : FMT
