The Malaysian Insider

No big deal. We should banning race based political parties and associations.

If that be the case, Barisan Nasional race based component parties should follow suit. In fact, why have component parties at all? It isn't as if MCA or MIC will ever leave UMNO. So, why not just amalgamate everyone into one party with common principles?

That's the 1st step. Next step to rein in Utusan and BH.

they forgot to remove religion?

Only now? This should have been done aeons ago. Clearly another political gimmick....

It is no different by changing the format lay out in the official form and government documents, your names, religion column still appeared on the form, what is the different? even though just coat your ID number on the form, they still can check out your true identity prior to approval. The only fastest way to do is to employ equal amounts of all races in all posts in the government firms and security forces, then there is no biased, this will also help to change the concept and attitude of the government servants.

To the ball carrier of Pulai. This is NOT a gift, it is the right of every Anak Bangsa Malaysia. Regardless of Race or Creed. And we have to thank 08/03/2008 for this!

If policy is not changed, execution decision is still based on race quota. It is no used. Like trying to fool people with a mask. Name can already tell 90+% accuracy of race. This may benefit small minority of chinese or indian muslim that have complete muslim name. But eventual the mask will be uncovered the moment you see face to face. Computers may make the mistake but not human.

Bottom line - Face Race policy is important.

Religion - Should be dropped as well.

wait now im sooo confused.

you try to erase race from the form filling. but your MP from UMNO still have race in their mind.

so really, it still does not do anything in term of race equality.

so is this the 1malaysia concept? we pretend you the same. but really your not.


very sly.

Well, this a small step forward. However, I wonder if this is really going to have an impact at all, because from the name on the form, one can, most of the time, knows the racial origin of the person filling the form. But, nevertheless it is still a good move.

dutaman

Big deal !..it is just make good after 52 year...another gimmick pull by the charlaton.

The name can tell the race, so does the numbering on our identity card. So, tis exercise is only increasing productivity (ie do not have to write the same thing a few times). IT DOES NOT HELP IN RACIAL INTEGRATION AT ALL. So, it is just BULLSHIT!!!!
Indonesia and Thailand are different, as the have the same name convention.

This move is certainly a great news to all Malaysian who believe that Malaysia is our homeland and this nation needs to be united in order to face the many challenges in this globalised world. If the government is sincere in its efforts it should also do away with racial politics because such divisive politics does not auger well for a multi-racial nation like Malaysia.

1Malaysia concept of our PM needs to be applied at all levels. It should not be slogan mongering but should be introduced and applied at all places and regions in the country. The delivery machanism should be scutinised for the 1Malaysia concept would lead to greater dissatisfaction if there are failures in its implimentation.

Our leaders should be concentrating on unifying the nation istead of wasting time in unifying their respective races. I think enormous resourses are spent towards unifying the politicians' respective races and little effort is done towards implementing the 1Malaysia concept in its true spirit.

If fairness and equality are chiefly found in the 1Malaysia concept of our Prime Minister let us all have a fair share of nation building and the nations wealth.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Arunasalam.P

As if u can't tell a person's race from his/her name.... how redundant is this policy going to be?

Well, what's so special about that. Tell me whose who?

1) Tang Kai Poon
2) Mohd Bin Ismail
3) Rajesh S/O Muthu

Gee, without the race column, I just can't differentiate them. 1Malaysia woohoo!

Let's make some sense here. It's not the forms and their fancy column that matters, it's what happens once the forms are being submitted for processing WHICH MATTERS...

Spin or no spin. Results and outcome never lie.

Haha what a joke! When you fill up your IC number in the form, automatically they can check it in computer to see your race!

What's the point of removing that line from the form then???

If government is serious, REMOVE RACE AND RELIGIOUS IDENTIFICATION FROM THE IDENTIFICATION CARD!

It is definitely a step in the right direction. But before the Govt starts congratulating itself, let's be very clear that RACIAL EQUALITY is a fundamental HUMAN RIGHT -- the people are merely given back what is rightfully theirs.

While racism should be condemned, one should not boast about not being a racist -- it is a common decency expected of all humans.

"In an immediate reaction, Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan welcomed the decision as a Merdeka gift for the country’s 52nd independence anniversary."

Great! Really great!
But don't forget that UMNO/BN will still use the race card to win votes from the Malays.
That's their trump card!

It is about time that this 'race business' is abolished-I had completed a form in a foreign country under the 'race category' as 100 meters to register my disgust but to no avail. Also another form had'religion' in it and I did not bother to complete it.
The bigotry of these requirements must be aboloished once and for all, as must the special priviliges of certain sectors. All this is very shameful. Let us trust meritocracy and help those who cannot make it with open arms and a huge heart .

what's point of only removing the race from form? most malaysian can determine the person's race from his/her name. what difference does it make as long as the quota is there?

i will salute u, if u can remove the quota.

Another desparate move by UMNO and BN, but the rakyat know better. UMNO continues to speak with forked tongue. Najib - 1Malaysia. Muhyiddin - play the race card. Cabinet - remove "race" from certain forms. Utusan Malaysia - MACC and the police are Malay institutions.

they just don't get it. what difference does this make? can we not tell what a person's race is by the names? typical bn goverment initiatives, treating people like idiots. we don't care what race it is, just provide equal opportunities on a needs basis to every citizen. if a certain race gets even 90% of the allocation, so be it. this muppet of a suggestion is at best cosmetic.

and that's not even the best bit; in true bn fashion, after a muppet comes up with a stupid idea, the other muppets join in to compliment this nobel-cracking idea.

The column 'race' should be banned completely in all forms and particulars of a person. A person is either a Malaysian or not a Malaysian. If this simple step is not practiced, forget of 1Malaysia sloganeering.

yeah, remove the race column and add another column:-
1) BN member
2) Non-BN member
hahahaha

Race and religion should be dropped. Nobody business what I believe in or dont believe in.

Again, this is not what the "rakyat" really wants. Tell me, how much would this make difference? We should be proud of our heritage, whether Malays, Chinese, Indian or even other smaller groups of races here in Malaysia. Thus, drops "race" from official forms does not do much, much less smoother "rakyat" dissatisfaction our how our government run this country.

Instead, make right(s) equal, among all of the races. These rights are for "MALAYSIANS", that's what I understand from Mr. Najib's so-call-1-Malaysia marketing gimmick. Prove that, prove what you really mean, walk the talks.

All races should enjoy equal rights and privileges, should contribute equal hardships and playing their part in shaping how a Malaysia should be (which should have been in a state for more developed compare to what we are in now).

All races should provide the equal opportunities, be it working, be it education, be it health aids, and so on and so forth....

Another stupid cosmetic change from RACIST UMNO!!!

please remove the religion as well. it never make sense to include this when filling form too.

bagaimana dengan Jantina dan Nama?? Gambar juga??

We should thank Pakatan for their constant and resilient opposition to the racial politics as well as to the maturing Malaysians voters who have sent a message to the Umno-led government.

We are all Malaysians....i cannot fathom why it is compulsory for all govt forms to include 'race' (BANGSA) while we sillily call ourselves Bangsa Malaysia. In modern countries (US, UK, Europe, Japan, Australia etc), race is EXPLICITLY not allowed to be on forms - for racial equality.

Finally. Religiion should be dropped too.

Not just the FORMS ... the TALK too! All politicians (especially UMNO) should stop talking and making race an issue in their political pursuits. Maybe then there is hope for all Malaysians in Malaysia, our beloved country.

This is a BIG DEAL a giant step forward. Congratulations to our PM and his cabinate for having the vision and courage to state this intention. We from Sarawak sincerely wish to see more of this and this will definitely to be more like the Sarawakians.

For 1MALAYSIA

What boost? More rhetoric than substance.

So, when will the one education system will come effect? STill want Tamil and Chinese school ka?

I think this is a move in the right direction, small it may be, but it's quite symbolic. I also think credit should be given where credit is due, so WELL DONE!!!!

My wish has finally been heard. But there will still be a "Bumiputera" column? What difference would it make then? That there will finally be no discrimination between a Chinese and an Indian? Alas, my wish has only been a mere wishful thinking.

Next, Utusan will start spewing about that Umno-Malays has given more than what the minority shouldn't expect.

Time for us to call and addressed each other as Malaysian and not referto ethicities is welcome by all. Make sure the civil service implement it effectively,effeciencely and fairly Datu seri Mohd Majid Tun Razak.

Will Ah Teoh or Kugan going to get fair treatment in justice for their death? Will our children going to get equal and fair opportunity in education or jobs in all government department? If not, this is just a gimmick to fool the people.

A gimmick is always a gimmick by Najib. He thought he is on the right boat he`s the opposite.

Couldn't you understand why PM did not do it after he is just elected, why now? act of desperation for racial integration when he know he got not anymore bullet left?

A little late but better than never. Bravo Dato Najib and Cabinet. You guys rightfully deserve this pat on back. But the next steps are crucial.. what's next...towards a truly one malaysian race, regardless of any demarcation. Follow the universal, global practice... dare you...

Good move, but does this involved removing the race box on the birth certificate? If not, it's merely a gimmick where it gives more opportunity to make more $$$ from the printing of new forms, documents, new softwares, etc...

gimmick move...what is the difference it will make?

I have heard this many times before when the Cabinet agrees to this and that.

The irony of the whole thing is that whenever one goes to the Government offices later to fill in forms the same bureaucratic explanation is heard stating that "memang betul cabinet sudah luluskan tapi belum digazette lagi or kita belum terima arahan lagi so kena isi borang seperti biasa".

This is FACT!!!

It's very clear that in this country, everybody and anybody can tell what your race and religion is by your name. Why can't a Malay be a Christian and a Chinese be a Muslim or an Indian be a Muslim without changing their names?
In Arab countries you can have a Arab name like 'Omar', Ibrahim or 'Ali' and still be a christian. Similarly, in Hinduism, Mohd. Ali or Wong Ah Kow needn't give up their names to embraces Hinduism. The same goes with the Taoist, they don't care what you call yourself.
We should all try to isolate culture from religion as well, only then will there be true assimilation.
Look at Indonesia and Thailand, you can never tell race & religion by their names and therefore you can't officially discriminate against anybody. We should learn from our neighbors.

What? Am I now race-less too?

What difference does it make? Is that means that I will get the same benefits as all the bumis are getting right now? Why not remove the word BUMI too?

Your little gesture means nothing to me, and it will not chance how I will be voting for the next GE. Change in Government in the Federal level is a must for any hope of a better future for ALL MALAYSIANS regardless of your race, colour or religion.

It's a good start, certainly in the right direction. Well done.

Obviously, there's a long road ahead, but as the saying goes, 'a long journey begins with the first step'.

Next is to abolish the religion category, race-based parties and politicians who engage in business while in office.

We had the same issue back home in NZ, we added a category next to 'New Zealand European' - 'New Zealander'. Had a massive effect on our last census. Most people put 'New Zealander' and they refused to identify themselves by race. In truth, we are all developing countries.

written by sr2, August 18, 2009
they forgot to remove religion?

Thats the ultimate truth. Just by looking at an individual religious status, it sticks out like a sore thumb without having to mention one's race.

Also whats the point of removing symbolism when some very high powered in the ruling elite keep spewing racial sentiments and defenders of this and that?

Its really a shame, after 50 odd years, many of our leaders still behave like spoiled child, and having the fear of their beloved toys, or privileges being taken away. The country may have matured, by many of our leaders don't.

In an immediate reaction, Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan welcomed the decision as a Merdeka gift for the country’s 52nd independence anniversary

This guy is smart , he has mastered the art of polishing

will the Utusan and Berita Harian do likewise?

What's the big deal. Cosmetic only.
Show us you really mean business by merging all BN parties into one lah.
Then any race can be PM similar to USA.
After 50 years and we only have cosmetic changes and bumiputra policy still in place.
That's 1Msia for you. The one there means UMNO is numero uno.

It is simply a case of form over substance.
Nothing changes untill we change the government.

Too late, the damage has been done. Race deleted, Next; Religion. Then anyone can change their name to Malay name and then all the politicians become confused. Finally bangsa Malaysia is born and so is 1Malaysia.

Sikit sini sikit sana. Pi mai pi mai tang tu. Kepala 1Malaysia, nombor 2 cakap Melayu lebih penting dari semua kaum.

"However, it is understood that some forms will continue to have the category in relation to special privileges for Bumiputras."

No use lah, just another gimmick, polish the surface but the core still dirty. Just another play. What's so special about 1 Malaysia if there's still "special" privileges for certain race? Huh? Answer me Mr. N. Where's the type of privileges for Malaysians and Malaysians only, not those only favor to certain race?

This is encouraging BUT the government needs to do more. Am sure they realise that the race issue is no longer relevant. It was never relevant in the first place. It was made relevant by the UMNO putera's and Cina tycoons. How much more does the government is willing to do to abolish race base politics remains to be seen as on one hand they wish to get in tune with the rakyat's wishes, on anorther hand, difficult to let go of the past formula / balance which have brought them much wealth.

Before the race is dropped from official forms, the govt servant dont call you for interview, after the race is dropped from the official forms, they will call you for interview and then drop you from there!!! Which one you prefer??? Saving time and money by letting them know who you are first then later!!!

What about dropping race analysis from schools? Every month, class teachers are required to state in the Class Register, the number of Malays, Chinese, Indians and Others students in the class. The same is done for teachers - whether in KIndergarten, Primary, Secondary or Tertiary institutions. Why is this analysis necessary?

I see someone else has already commented that it's meaningless as long as ID number is asked for, and ID holds race and religion. They're just saving themselves some paper and time. Also, remove this month, put back next month? What's to stop them? Make it illegal, like a modern country.

Erasing the race column in the official form is not a big deal.the first thing should do is dissolve the BN and form a muilti-racial party
namely PARTY MULTI-RACIAL(PMR).

Malaysia's " Phantom of the Opera " , Cheers !!

I did a legal name change to put my family name instead of A/L as it sounded like an AL

It took me 8 months to do a name before being asked so many silly questions. Now it will take me 5- 6 weeks to do a passport name change, with the immigration asking for so many documents, and not trusting the name change by Jabatan Pendaftaran negara. The letter from JPN is not sufficient.

As I travel out of the country every 2 weeks or so, I am not sure how I am able to do change my passport at all to my new name which is still intact with my family name addded to it.

So this is all but crap.

does this means no UMNO, MIC and MCA... All the parties should be dissolved and Now it should just be U1MNO. Does the next PM have to of any particular race or can it be from 1Malaysia... These a dreams too god to be true...

sam,

Actually better not to remove religion, for one it will be hard for company to tell which one are muslims who need special attention especially during 'puasa' and designate halal food during a function. I don't really mind the race in official forms. Just seem degrading if it is an objective answers and you are in the category of 'lain-lain'.

after 52 years, it is only just race? najib should also push for elimination of the word 'religion' from all official documents.

Nur Jazlan, are you kidding us? We are not stupid! If taking race out of the form but continuing to harp on race daily is called a Merdeka gift, you can have that. Remember action speaks louder than words.

I think it will help if we can get rid of all the the big war lords in UMNO. Why can't UMNO leaders be like PAS, PKR, and DAP leaders that don't practice racial politics? Look at every Malaysian as a treasure for the country and the country will be blessed many times over.

If other countries can look at our kids, cultivate them so that they become a good productive people of their country, why can't we do that to our own citizens. Why let other countries benefit from our very own brains!

I wonder when one looks at an application form, if it is Musa Bin Hitam, and the other one is Teoh Kum Quat A/L Teoh Boon Quat, I wonder which one is Muslim.

The day Bumiputera status is eliminated, than we are on our way to a change. The day the Govt. decides to give special privileges based on economic status instead of race, than we are on our way to 1 Malaysia. Until than it is all hokus pokus. Smokescreen by UMNO. Lipservice.

As long as the Bumiputera status is used, race is being used by the Govt. to differentiate Malays from non-Malays. Among 60% of Malaysians who are non-Malays, Bumiputera is a word that relates to discrimination, ISA, police brutality, and Govt. (UMNO) intolerance towards non-Malays. Bumiputera is dirty word to many Malaysians and should be struck from all public use! Rarely, do you see a non-Malay get promoted. Every public agency conducts it's business by race and not religion. It's been a long time since the Govt. of Malaysia selected someone into a high ranking position solely based on qualification. This is why we have a bumbling MACC and an idiot for a state pathologist who has to read a report that someone else wrote, of which he never participated.

Either the Govt. thinks they are outsmarting the people or they definitely have outsmarted themselves this time! The Malaysian Govt. is an institutionalized racist organization. No different than the apartheid Govt. of past South Africa.

Names should not matter, religion should not matter. Be proud of your religion, of what you put on paper. I am yet to meet a Malaysian who speaks ill of another persons religion. When will the Govt understand that it is the people. Treat everybody equal, and a lot will be resolved.

Funny thing is they (UMNO) know that. They (UMNO) just cannot bring themselves to change things. They are so used to the special privileges aka "Bumiputera" that they have created for themselves, that they are finding it so hard to relinquish. No Chinese or Indian voted for this willingly. And no Chinese or Indian will ever vote to keep this. UMNO is still running the Govt. like they are the only show in town.

Bumiputera means prince of the land. It's a word that definitely denigrates anyone who is non-Malay.

after 52 years, it is only just race? najib should also push for elimination of the word 'religion' from all official documents.

kah kah ... rubbish.

Take it out of IC then.

Removal of the need to identify one's race in official forms, though a good start, is not at all adequate. This is because majority of Malaysians are readily identifiable through their names alone. For e.g., try guessing the race of Wong Ah Tong, Mohd Hassan bin Ahmad and Muniandy Kuppusamy. What is the good of removing this requirement if racial policies are implemented.

I don't mind the race column is in the form which we had fill for 52 years. But, what I hope is the race mindset is not in there forever. Can Malaysia government do that???

Drop the "race" your name give you out
Drop your name, your quota give you out
Drop the quota, the policy sell you out
Drop the policy, the admin sell you out
Drop the admin, the politician mindset sell you out

Is the people with the racist mind not the application form, the form don't discriminate...
With politicians that call all chinese back to china, that's the problem we have.

Cabinet cannot be trusted. She drops what also make no differences. Once a terrorist, always a terrorist.

Yes BN for once looked at substance over form(s). More should be done as the whole government administration and culture is pro a single race and a reverse BTN should be conducted to inculcate a so called unity based upon 1Malaysia.

Good move. The next offspring I will name Ali Russel.