Agora

We are living through tough times. Rising prices, stagnant wages, soaring crime rates and unlivable conditions are making the life of the average Malaysian harder. Yet, the powers that be still remain irresponsive to the needs of the people by making poor policy choices. The Malaysian social contract has been a subject of controversy, particularly because any debate or discussion about it touches on the special rights and privileges of the Bumiputera. Any talk about it has to do with how non-Malays are given citizenship rights in return for special privileges for Malays and indigenous peoples. Does it always have to be this way? Why can’t we redefine or reframe our discussion about the social contract? First we have to understand what a social contract means. Many of us are unaware that we have voluntarily given up certain rights to our leaders when we become citizens of Malaysia. When we are born into this society, we automatically surrender some of our rights and freedoms in...