Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was reported to have said that the term ‘Bumiputera smacked of racism’, an assertion that is likely to invite controversy and trigger off ‘ethnic fervour’ from certain quarters in a society that is already confronted by other political controversies.
The negative impact, he said, of this term is especially felt when it comes to providing aid to the poor in the country. Put another way, poverty transcends ethnicity and therefore assistance to the poor should be for all in the poverty bracket.
Bernama reports:
Nik Aziz Says Drop Bumiputera Term For Government Assistance
KOTA BAHARU, March 1 (Bernama) — Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is against the use of the “bumiputera” term when applying for government assistance.
He said the term not only smacked of racism, but also deprived other races, who share similar rights and possess similar identity cards, of the facility.
“In an election, other races are allowed to cast one vote, so are the bumiputera,” he said in response to a remark last week by the Opposition chief in the Johore state assembly, Dr Boo Cheng Hau (DAP-Skudai) who likened the bumiputera policy in the country with that of the apartheid in South Africa.
Nik Abdul Aziz said the government should form a body to manage aid for the poor in the country and not cater only for a single group known as the bumiputera.
“I don’t like the (use of the) word bumiputera. What I like is (use of the word) poor, for all races,” he added.
He said the poor, regardless of their race, should be given assistance.
He is right you know? For most non-bumiputeras when we hear the word bumiputera we say “Oh boy, here it comes again. Being reminded again that we are not of this land”.
But we are Malaysians born on this land called Malaysia so how are we expected to react to constant reminders of the differences in citizenship?
And what has he and Pas done about it?
Hi everyone,
If aid is provided to the poor of all communities, then the lion’a share of the aid would still go to the bumiputras. It is time that the divisive term of ‘bumiputras’ as opposed to ‘non-bumiputras’ should be discontinued.
When applying for certain documents, like ICs, passports,and registering for public exams, etc, we are required to indicate one’s race (Malay, Indian, Chinese, Iban, etc). It is time this requirement be replaced with just nationality, i.e. Malaysian.
The BN Federal Govt should look into doing away with divisive terms and be bold enough to come up with an inclusive policy. This would promote nationality unity and at the same, gain the respect of all Malaysians!
Dear Perakian…
The answer is very simple..give PAKATAN to govern this country.
They can do more than that. As BN/UMNO ? I don’t think so
and it won’t happened for another couple of 100 years.
History and present tells all..i am seeing it, don’t you?
PAKATAN is included PAS and the example is PERAK..i hope
you understand what my point is.
Have a good day….
Expect another demonstration from the youth ?
Please tell to Nik Aziz,
Jika bumiputra itu racist…PAS itu KANDANG BAB.?
As far I know I am born in Malaysia and I love my motherland. I am in total agreement with Datuk Nik. We should remove the term Bumiputra as it always lead racial divide.
We are One Race called Malaysian and One Nation. I salute Datuk Nik for that. Thinking of joing pas.
Branchis Simon
PAS has shown that Islam is indeed about fairness !
Syabas PAS !
You are very right Tok Guru. But does this goes into the … head of umnoputera. We should have more leaders like Tok Guru who champion the rights of all the malaysians not regarding race and religion. Long live Tok Guru.
I was born in Malaysia, now living in Singapore. During the 50’s we are really one happy people in Malaysia.
Many “racial” problems surface recently because some people prefer to promote divide and rule policy.
Is it time we revert back to one national identity and call ourselves “Malaysian”? Possible or not?
I look forwward to retire in Malaysia soon.
Tok Guru Nik Aziz is a very wise man, his remarks has always been sensible and fair. The divide and rule policy has to go, it benefitted a few while the poor regardless of race remain dirt poor.
Perakian,PR which PAS is also a partner have already started to change such policy, BN goverment at Federal level have been trying to disrupt and sabotage whatever changes PR goverment is trying to give to the people. The Perak PR goverment elected by the people of Perak didn’t survive a year – sabotage by the BN federal goverment.
The concept of bumiputera in malaysia refers not only to the Malays but it also include the aborigine (article160(2), natives of Sarawak (161A(6)(a) and the natives of Sabah (Article 161A(6)(b). To the non bumis this is not apartheid of South Africa. You are wrong to equate apartheid = bumiputerism. DO NOT PLAY WITH FIRE!!!!!!!!!
Tok Guru is advocating M’sian Race not particular… After 52yrs, there shouldn’t be anymore Malay, Chinese, Indian etc. but Malaysians.
ulam pegaga
Better than playing with keris
No, no bumiputras are not racists UMNOPutras are.