Anwar truth bombed meritocracy, claims merit won’t eradicate inequality

PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dropped a sobering truth bomb on proponents espousing for meritocracy in Malaysia; a bitter pill explaining how merit may not be the ultimate cure-all against inequality.

While admitting that such concept is indeed noble and idealistic, in reality however, the PKR president reasoned, there is no fair competition, and that meritocracy still imposes difficulties on those less fortunate.

“The American literary critic, John Gardner remarked: ‘Those who saw the beauty of meritocracy easily overlooked the pain involved for those who lacked the necessary ability’,” said Anwar in his policy speech at PKR’s 17th Annual Congress last night.

To further underscore how meritocracy could breed more inequality, Anwar also cited the remark from a philosophy professor at Harvard, Michael Sandel in the latter’s book, ‘The Tyranny of Merit.’

“He stated that merit does not reduce inequality; it reconfigures inequality to align with ability. But this reconfiguration creates a presumption that people get what they deserve.

“And this presumption deepens the gap between the rich and poor. This is what is described as the moral arbitrariness and manifest unfairness resulting from the neglect of existing inequalities in society.

“While recognising the need to acknowledge merit, the issue of equal opportunities should not be sidelined,” said Anwar.

Nonetheless, Anwar assured Malaysians that the government will take decisive action to ensure justice for all through the reform of the education system and will strive to make every effort to expand and enhance the quality of Malaysia’s education.

Held, at PICC Putrajaya, the PKR 17th Annual Congress began yesterday and is slated to conclude later today.