UMNO MALAYS AND CINA DAP?

 

UMNO MALAYS AND CINA DAP?

As the Johor state election approaches, one thing has become increasingly obvious: UMNO and DAP have once again managed to dominate the political narrative. It is almost as though Johor is witnessing the same old political battle that Malaysians have been fed for decades.

But Johor 2026 is not the Johor of the past.

This election is not simply Barisan Nasional versus Pakatan Harapan, nor merely UMNO versus DAP.

Johoreans will also choose among candidates from Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan with myriad of political parties - PAS, Bersatu, PKR, Amanah, MUDA, Wawasan, BERSAMA and other political parties, as well as independents. There are more players, more choices and more political ideas than ever before. Yet somehow, we are once again being drawn back into the familiar UMNO-DAP storyline.

Why?

Because once politics becomes an UMNO-DAP contest, racial narratives inevitably return. Before long, we hear phrases such as "UMNO Malays" and "Cina DAP" being casually thrown around.

That should concern every Malaysian.

Both terms, when used maliciously, are racist remarks. Adding a political label before the words Malay or Chinese does not suddenly make racism acceptable. It merely disguises it.

I know many UMNO Malays who are decent, fair-minded and genuinely believe in a multi-racial Malaysia. Likewise, I know many Cina DAP who reject racism and sincerely want what they believe is best for the country. Political membership does not determine whether someone is racist.

Unfortunately, many closet racists have discovered a convenient way to hide their prejudice.

Instead of attacking Malays, they attack "UMNO Malays."

Instead of attacking Chinese, they attack "Cina DAP."

It sounds political.

It sounds sophisticated.

But often, it is nothing more than racism dressed in political clothing.

It is an effective political strategy because politicians and their supporters can pander to racial sentiments while maintaining the appearance of being non-racist. They simply claim they are criticising supporters of a political party. Yet the message received by many people extends far beyond politics.

The labels "UMNO Malays" and "Cina DAP" have become convenient political weapons. They allow racial prejudice to be propagated while hiding behind a supposedly multi-racial façade.

That may well be the most dangerous form of racial politics because it is subtle, indirect and easily denied.

Malaysians should reject this tactic regardless of who uses it.

Whether it comes from UMNO, DAP, PKR, PAS, Bersatu, Amanah, WAWASAN, BERSAMA, MUDA or any other political party should make no difference.

Racism remains racism.

As Johor prepares to vote, let us not fall into the trap of believing this election is simply another chapter in the endless UMNO-DAP rivalry. There are many parties. There are many candidates. More importantly, there is only one Malaysia.

Let us reject racial labels. Let us reject targeted racial politics. It is not good for UMNO or DAP either if they truly aspire to lead Malaysia and be seen as national parties, rather than parties identified primarily with one community.Let us judge every candidate by integrity, competence and ideas - not race.

Malaysia deserves nothing less.

Anas Zubedy
Penang