Race-based political parties remain relevant, says Deputy National Unity Minister

PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia’s cultural make up makes race-based political parties relevant.

Deputy National Unity Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said he disagreed that it was time to stop race-based policies despite the percentage of Chinese and Indians in the country is getting smaller.

“I disagree with that although I am the Deputy National Unity Minister.

“The cultural make up in this country is still communal, by nature.

“And as long as we have that kind of social, cultural and communal setup, race-based political parties remain relevant,” he told Sinar Daily.

He said this was caused by the National Economic Policy (NEP) with its purpose of realigning the society impacted by the colonial legacy before the independence of the country.

He said each race needs to surrender their communal interest if they want to stop raced-based politics.

“Look at MCA, MIC and even DAP.

“In order to stop race-based politics, each race must willingly sacrifice their communal interest for the greater interest of the country in terms of education, economy and others,” he added.

In addition, the Bersatu Youth Chief said need-based policies and race-based policies go hand-in-hand and that the policy makers in the country had already embed the need-based policies along with the need-based policies.

When asked about his hope for 15th General Election, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal expressed hope that more people would come out and vote since a minimal 50 per cent of turnout rate for voters was not a good number for the government.

He added a higher turnout rate during the GE15 will mean that whoever wins will receive a proper mandate and can govern this country effectively.

Watch Wan Ahmad Fayhsal interview on Politically Frank here.