When discussing Malaysian politics, there is a tendency by many to look at “The Malays” as a singular block. On the one hand, there is a penchant for some to blame “The Malays” for our nation’s 99 problems. On the other hand, Malay political elites tend to propagate a narrative in which “The Malays” were “united” across racial lines once upon a time and so, there is a need to reunite the Malays once more. 

But are the Malays a monolith? Have they ever been?

Producer's note: A couple of factual errors were made in the conversation -


Concerning May 13, MCA was cited when it should've been Gerakan.


The Memali incident took place in the 80s, not 50s.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

When discussing Malaysian politics, there is a tendency by many to look at “The Malays” as a singular block. On the one hand, there is a penchant for some to blame “The Malays” for our nation’s 99 problems. On the other hand, Malay political elites tend to propagate a narrative in which “The Malays” were “united” across racial lines once upon a time and so, there is a need to reunite the Malays once more.&nbsp;But are the Malays a monolith? Have they ever been? Producer's note: A couple of factual errors were made in the conversation -<ul><li>Concerning May 13, MCA was cited when it should've been Gerakan.</li><li>The Memali incident took place in the 80s, not 50s.</li></ul>Image Credit: Shutterstock

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

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