The Chief Minister of Melaka, YAB Adly Zahari has made the following announcement at a press conference on 31 May 2018:
“Tanah-tanah Melayu yang bertaraf pajakan (leasehold) boleh ditukar kepada tanah adat Melaka (MCL) dengan bayaran premium nominal RM1000 sahaja.”
Since the announcement, there have been people who expressed their dissatisfaction and outrage online, with some questioning the Democratic Action Party for not objecting the policy.
In response, here are my thoughts on the issue:
It has been 25 days since Pakatan Harapan was elected as government in Melaka. At a time of large-scale change in structure and governance, it is no surprise that the people are highly vocal about the change they would like to see. With such high expectations, new policies are scrutinised and easily come under criticism.
In the past when BN was in power, race-based politics were widespread, creating rifts between races. Malaysia today has yet to leave all ill effects of that mindset behind.
Nevertheless I believe that we are getting ready to view policies offered in a non-racial manner. As observed during the recent elections, the people has come together regardless of race to bravely vote for the government of their choice not just for their own community, but for all of Melaka and even Malaysia. Thus we were able to end BN’s long rule of 61 years and create a two party system.
This victory that marks the start of a better Malaysia was only possible when Malaysians no longer approach politics with a racial agenda. Now that we have a new government, should we not be able to view and assess new policies without race-clouded lenses, then perhaps our politicians will need to work harder in political education for the people.
Policies were never meant to be a zero sum game in terms of race. Pakatan Harapan is a government for all Malaysians and as such overall effort made are to cater to all races. The policy on MCL conversion (Malacca Customary Land) is only one of the many new policies by Pakatan Harapan. We can expect more policies within these five years and each may benefit different target groups. For instance, we will soon have a policy to address the issue of lease extension for Ayer Keroh new village leasehold land.
DAP has always been a party to represent all Malaysians and has been advocating for the people regardless of race, religion and culture since its days as the opposition. Also, since YAB Adly Zahari was sworn in, he has attended a lot of events in the Chinese community such as the annual Wesak celebration at Seck Kia Eenh and charity bazaars. Pakatan Harapan will not abandon its goal to serve all Malaysians.
While we welcome the public to analyse and comment on our policies, it is important to think from a Malaysian’s point of view.
A new Malaysia has begun. What comes next is for us to abandon the old ways and have better mindsets to embrace new ways of thinking.