GEORGE TOWN – On April 25, an argument broke out at the 94th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Penang Eurasian Association, when some members made remarks about an allegedly discriminatory clause in the association’s constitution.
The members questioned why there are two types of ordinary members:
– “Ordinary Member A”, which is reserved for Penang Eurasians whose parent on the paternal side is a Eurasian; and,
– “Ordinary Member B”, which is open to all Malaysians who are either the spouse of a Eurasian or an offspring of a mixed marriage where the parent on the maternal side is a Eurasian.
According to the association’s constitution, which was approved by the Registrar of Societies on May 22, 2019, Category B members cannot hold the posts of president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.
Association president Datuk Aloysius Gasper told The Vibes that this is a non-issue, as according to the constitution, everyone has the right to bring in a resolution during the AGM.
“It was brought up democratically, they voted for the issue, and the person lost because it is based on the association’s constitution.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.”
Approximately 60 members were present during the AGM, with two-thirds voting to retain the section.
A disgruntled member, who does not want to be named, claimed to The Vibes that the membership clause is inherently racist.
“Biracial members are not allowed to hold the top three posts as they are biracial. Therefore, I will never be able to hold an influential position.
“They were arguing about it at the meeting, with the majority wanting to retain it (the clause) due to the likelihood that a future president’s name may be that of a Malay, Chinese or Indian.
“This clause is racist!”
The member said those in the top positions will have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will be biracial, and it is unfair that they will not have the opportunity to lead because of their surnames.
“If your birth certificate says that you’re a Eurasian, there shouldn’t be anything else to stop you. As if being born with a European name is an achievement.”
The member said the best thing that those helming top posts can do is to address their own biases, or else the association will die.
Being part of the younger generation, the member said it is no surprise that fewer youth join the association’s activities as the older generation do not welcome ideas from the youngsters.
Another member, who also declined to be named, said that the association’s composition is different than other Eurasian groups, like the Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association that is better integrated with the Malaysian psyche.
“Because of their dwindling numbers, they want to hold fast to the Eurasian identity, hence, one with a Eurasian name has to lead.”
This is the reason behind the two-tier membership, he added.
“These policies are also present in other race-based associations, as they abide by the paternal side when allocating higher-ranking positions. Those who are Eurasian on the maternal side will have an element of contention.”
PEA was founded in 1919. It has a president and two vice-presidents – Colleen Read and Christine Jalleh – while its honorary secretary is Penny Theseira and honorary treasurer, Bernadine Westwood. – The Vibes, May 5, 2021
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