Dr M: Unity bill would promote meritocracy but sideline less fortunate

The introduction of the new Unity Bill would sideline some races and the less fortunate, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed said in his blog.

Dr Mahathir was referring to the National Harmony Bill, National Unity Bill and National Unity and Integration Commission Bill, known collectively as the Unity Bill, and which is set to replace the Sedition Act.

He said that the bills would eliminate advantages given based on race, religion, ancestry, places of birth, gender or any other inabilities.

“Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi –religious country. We maintain our racial, religious and cultural identity,” he said.

He added that the racial segregation and different levels of achievement of the races does not encourage oneness and harmony among the races.

Dr Mahathir said that the New Economic Policy (NEP) was created to reduce the gap in terms of economic achievement, but under the new bill the policy can no longer be applied.

“In order to implement it, discrimination in favour of certain races that are left behind is needed but with the new bill, this would no longer be possible,” he wrote.

He added that meritocracy would be used instead, which was a fair system, but would leave many behind.
“Chances are the poor, those who do not get as many opportunities or good learning environment, those who cannot afford to go to private schools, do not have enough food, is unhealthy and such will not be able to fulfil the merit requirements,” he said,

He added that under the merit system, the poor will stay poor and the rich would get richer.
“Eliminating discrimination based on race and religion may make us equals – as citizens, but it would maintain the inequality and injustice that exists now,” he said.