Malay political interests and voting patterns have long been a topic of speculation and analysis. As the majority community in Malaysia, the Malay vote plays a significant role in shaping the country’s political trajectory. Malay political interests are often associated with race, religion, and the royal institution, known as the 3R. However, the reality is more complex.
According to political analyst Dr Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malays can be divided into three categories based on locale, education, and values. These categories include the subjective Malays, participative Malays, and parochial Malays. Urban Malays in Selangor, for instance, prioritize social justice over ethnoreligious beliefs when making political decisions. On the other hand, Malays in the east coast of the peninsula tend to prioritize their traditional identity.
The subjective Malays, who make up the majority of Malay voters, are considered the most traditional. They are loyal to their political parties and base their political decisions on issues related to race, religion, and the royal institution. Participative Malays, who reside in developed states and urban areas, are more open-minded and prioritize other factors in their political decisions. Parochial Malays, on the other hand, are influenced by short-term gains and are less concerned with broader political issues.
The 3R factor is crucial in determining the direction of Malay politics, particularly for the subjective Malays. Political parties that champion race, religion, and the royal institution, such as Umno and PAS, tend to attract their support. However, Pakatan Harapan also respects the 3R factors, while focusing on other issues like corruption and administration among the participative Malays.
The strong urge among conservatives to defend the 3R factors is often fueled by unfounded insecurity. This fear is propagated by certain political parties to maintain their support base, despite the Constitution’s protection of people’s rights. Malays need to realize that everyone is protected under the constitution, and no particular race is under threat.
While the 3R issues remain important, Malays are increasingly concerned about bread and butter issues like the high cost of living and a slowing economy. Economic frustrations can often be translated into ethnoreligious sentiments, but addressing economic inequality can help dilute the influence of race and religion in politics.
In conclusion, Malay political interests are diverse and influenced by various factors. While traditional values and the 3R factors hold significance for many Malay voters, other issues like social justice and economic well-being also play a crucial role.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
