An extremist’s point of view

Brian Yap, September 22, 2007

English, Brian, Columns |

By Brian Yap

I suspect I’m an extremist. Sure, when I look in the mirror, I don’t see one. At least not one of the stereotypical variety the word has become associated with these days. But in many ways, it’s not a completely inaccurate description of someone with views that could be considered on the fringe of mainstream Malaysia.

For instance, I believe in freedom of expression, with very few, specific exceptions. While I might not burn the national flag myself, I do believe it is a legitimate form of protest. It might be disrespectful, but that doesn’t mean it should be against the law. Likewise, when the controversial cartoons of Prophet Muhammad were published, I might have agreed that it was insulting to Muslims, but I didn’t think they deserved to be banned, nor death threats be put upon the publishers.

I also believe that the removal of petrol subsidies should be a long-term objective. Of course, this must only be done after a working public transportation is in place, and revenue from our own oil production has to be returned to public funds, not a private, albeit government-linked, corporation. So while it would cost more at the pump, there’s also less reason to use personal vehicles, which makes sense in these times of global warming. Oil revenues will also be channelled to various public facilities, like housing and schools. And roads. So no more of this toll everywhere nonsense.

While I suspect most people would prefer to let the past be, I believe that previous leaders have to be held accountable for their actions, no matter what positive contributions they have made. Be they former ministers to current chief justices, they have to be punished by the fullest extent of the law if they are found guilty of abuse of power, corruption or other crimes while in office.

Also at the risk of using divisive language, I am convinced that Malaysia needs to be a true secular state—I don’t think it was ever one in practice. I believe for true equality to be practised, there is no other way but to strictly separate religion and the state. No public funds should ever be used for religious purposes, while all public events must not have any religious overtones. I know, fat chance of this happening.

I also believe that for Malaysia not to be an anachronistic nation, and for race relations to progress, all barriers and discriminations based on ethnicity and religion should one day be removed. In its place, there should be strict anti-discrimination laws. So Chinese-owned companies who only hire ethnic Chinese will be punished, while universities or civil institutions can no longer only promote Malays to senior positions. Skin colour or gender can no longer be an issue when you’re applying for a job or renting a room, as it is now.

Though this will come with considerable repercussions, a minimum wage should be part of our labour laws, and our labour laws should apply to all workers—even foreigners. This will undoubtedly turn our economy upside down, considering how so many businesses thrive on the exploitation of workers, especially foreign workers. It’s often been said that Malaysians don’t like doing certain kinds of work. I would argue instead that employers don’t pay enough for us to do such jobs, preferring to hire foreigners for pittance. Take a look at any construction site for an idea of how workers are expected to live: in wooden shacks haphazardly built on the site themselves. By enforcing labour laws across the board, the true cost of living would reveal itself, making it harder for a poorly managed economy to be masqueraded by exploitation.

And while I agree that each community should be allowed to decide the type of education, I don’t share the passion and concern over mother-tongue education as many Chinese and Indians do. To me, I think children are better off mastering their national language in a multi-ethnic, multi-relgious environment. Most Chinese Malaysians would probably not agree with me.

I suspect I’m also far, far more morally liberal than much of Malaysia. I believe in the legalisation of marijuana, for instance. In fact I cannot understand why such a useful plant isn’t cultivated more widely for industrial purposes. As for recreational use, there’s plenty of evidence that marijuana is less harmful than tobacco and alcohol, both of which are legally and far more culturally acceptable. I also think that what consenting adults do in their bedrooms are their own business, and not the concern of snoops. As for a woman’s right to choose, I am fervently pro-choice. I don’t think it’s the government’s business to decide what women do with their bodies.

There are plenty of other examples of how I might be considered an extremist in my own country. I believe in increasing taxes for those with higher levels of income. And yes, I believe we need to get over the fact that Singapore used to be part of Malaysia. Stop making fun of them, just to feel better about ourselves. The kiasu jokes are getting old.

So do my views make me an extremist? Maybe. But I don’t expect the rest of the country, or the world, to see things as I do. I’m willing to compromise, I suppose. I also don’t think it’s worth letting some issues divide us when there are a lot more important ones to be dealt with. You might believe Namewee went too far while I do not. You might think that religion has to a role to play in government. But I’m sure we all agree that lawyers and business tycoons should have no say in appointing judges. Or that those who were responsible for squandering billions of public funds in the PKFZ debacle should not get away with it.

In other words, we shouldn’t let our personal political views and ideologies paralyse us. We all have ideas of what the perfect Malaysia should look like. But to use any and every difference in opinion as an excuse not to work together to solve fundamental, basic problems we can all agree on is stupid. In fact, I think it’s extreme.

Comments