A FORMER deputy minister has questioned the intentions behind reports that several prominent political leaders held a quiet meeting in Bangkok to discuss a possible “Malay and Islamic unity” alliance.
Ex-deputy national unity minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said the reported meeting raises concerns about whether the initiative is genuinely aimed at strengthening the community or merely an attempt by political elites to consolidate power.
“The question is simple: is this really unity for the people, or unity to gain greater political power and influence?” he said in a Facebook post.
Ti argued that calls for “Malay unity” have historically surfaced during periods when political elites are divided or under political pressure.
According to him, such narratives often emerge when parties experience declining public support or internal crises.
“In Malaysian political history, the slogan of Malay unity frequently appears whenever political elites are fractured and desperate,” he said.
He added that racial and religious narratives are often revived during such periods to mobilise support and instil fear among voters, particularly by highlighting differences within Malaysia’s diverse society.
“Ironically, those who speak most loudly about unity are often politicians whose records are filled with power struggles, political manoeuvring and internal party conflicts,” Ti added.
Unity Must Be Built on Good Governance
Ti stressed that genuine unity cannot be achieved through closed-door negotiations among political elites.
Instead, he said it must be built on leadership marked by integrity, transparent governance and policies that genuinely benefit the people.
“True unity begins with integrity in leadership, transparency in administration and policies that uplift the rakyat,” he said.
He also questioned why issues such as governance failures, corruption and economic hardship affecting ordinary Malaysians continue to persist if political leaders are truly concerned about the well-being of Malays and Muslims.
Role of National Institutions
Ti emphasised that Malaysia’s stability rests on key national institutions rather than ethnic political alliances.
He pointed to three pillars that underpin the country: the Constitution, the rule of law and the institution of the Malay rulers.
Malaysia, he said, is not built solely on racial politics but on constitutional principles and the protection of national institutions, including the Conference of Rulers.
“The institution of the Malay rulers serves as a protective umbrella for all Malaysians, including the Malay community,” he said, adding that the Federal Constitution already recognises the special position of Malays and Bumiputera.
Ti cautioned that exaggerating ethnic fears could ultimately divide society and benefit only politicians seeking to preserve their power.
“When people are frightened, they are easily influenced. When they are influenced, they are easily divided. And when they are divided, they become easier to control,” he said.
He warned that history has repeatedly shown how racial and religious sentiments can be used as political tools.
Call for Responsible Leadership
Ti concluded by urging Malaysians, particularly the Malay community, not to fall into what he described as an outdated political trap.
“Without these principles, ‘Malay unity’ becomes nothing more than an empty slogan that benefits power-hungry politicians,” he said.
He added that Malaysia needs leaders who are committed to strengthening national institutions, upholding the Constitution and ensuring the rule of law. – March 7, 2026
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