Tribalism

I like this article by Zeffri.

Zeffri gives his take on why Perkasa have got their admirers - tribalism. He also clearly states his disagreement with their 'struggle' and his reasoning is that tribalism was in vogue when Man was in awe of the thunder. Not anymore now in the age of fibre optics and HD.

His article is exactly what we all in Middle Malaysia subscribe to , but just plain lazy, tidak apa or powerless to swim against the mainstream media spin.

You have to give it to him - Mr Tongkat Ali - couple of acres of extra balak were chopped down to print the newspapers that were selling well with stories of his tribal struggle.

I am not against any race or religion. I am just against people using race or religion to create divisions, enmity or hatred against another. And I am especially allergic to people who use race or religion as justification to promote and market themselves. That's capitalism at its worst!

But what bewilders me is why Mr Tongkat Ali have got so much hatred for another tribe? Can anyone enlighten me? Did he have a disturbed childhood?

I am trying to understand the pscyhe of Tongkat Ali. What drives people like him to spew continous hatred against another? Is it for the want of attention ? The adrenaline rush? Branding and positioning for economic gain?

Economic justification?
I believe that for the past 2 months, their agenda was very much in the economic sphere and the protection and continuation of certain special agenda. Will it be more for himself or his tribe? At the exclusion of others? Including those of the same tribe but who does not share their same philosophy?

It seems that everything he says, his tribe MUST be first among equals. He wants pre eminence and everything must be "pre" in all aspects for him. And...he will be the champion for the "pre"s.

Then, a sobering question for Tongkat Ali:

Why can't you define your tribe to include ALL in Malaysia? Why can't you see beyond the pagar of your home, that we have Malaysians of all colours, from Kangar to JB, Port Klang to Kuantan, and of course Sabah and Sarawak.

We can succeed if we pool together - all as one. Just don't look within your own sub-set to define one. Look at MALAYSIA as a whole for the definition of one.

Middle Malaysia is about living together in harmony, and with harmony, we get economic advancement, the pie gets bigger for everyone. By pitting in our skills and strengths together today, we can one day compete against the world.

But we do not need tribalism to get in the way anymore. 30-40 years ago, we were competitive and up and coming. we were the model nation for many newly independent states. Then, we went off tangent a little. We stumbled a bit here and there.

But we shall dust off the setbacks and we shall soar again. We need to undo the bad habits of the past 22 years-oops! or rather the past 30-40 years. But we need to do it together.

Competing as 28 million Malaysians gives us more leverage and competitiveness as opposed to going out there as sub-set 18million, sub-set 7million, sub-set 2million, sub-set 1 million etc..

Mr Tongkat Ali, read my lips.

Spell : M-A-L-A-Y..don't stop..S-I-A !

MALAYSIA!