OPINION | “Non-Bumis Can Make Country Great Again!!” – But Will Malay "Hard-liners" Allow Them…?!!
14 Feb 2026 • 5:00 PM MYT
JK Joseph
Repentant ex-banker who believes in truth, compassion and some humour
Credit Image: Malay Mail (Picture by Sayuti Zainudin) / Sinar Daily (BERNAMA file pic) / TV.Pertiwi. (All photos strictly for illustration only)
With roughly 90% of civil servants made up of Malay/Bumiputras, former UMNO stalwart Zaid Ibrahim has called for more non-Malays to be recruited on the basis of merit to serve in the country's administration.
Recently, maverick ex-law minister Zaid Ibrahim caused a buzz after claiming that it is time to make Malaysia “less Malay-centric” by allowing a larger number of capable non-Malays to jointly govern the nation.
According to the prominent lawyer, the standard of many of the country's institutions including key ones such as the civil service, the army and even the national football body has deteriorated. For the record, these entities are known to have minimal non-Malay representation.
(Note: Alarmingly, it was reported that corruption may have infiltrated even the highest echelons of the nation's security forces!)
With roughly 90% of civil servants made up of Malay/Bumiputras, former UMNO stalwart Zaid Ibrahim has called for more non-Malays to be recruited on the basis of merit to serve in the country's administration.
Recently, maverick ex-law minister Zaid Ibrahim caused a buzz after claiming that it is time to make Malaysia “less Malay-centric” by allowing a larger number of capable non-Malays to jointly govern the nation.
According to the prominent lawyer, the standard of many of the country's institutions including key ones such as the civil service, the army and even the national football body has deteriorated. For the record, these entities are known to have minimal non-Malay representation.
(Note: Alarmingly, it was reported that corruption may have infiltrated even the highest echelons of the nation's security forces!)
News headline / image from The Edge Malaysia.
Taking to his popular “X” account, the straight-talking Zaid also took aim at the dire state of Malay-based political parties like UMNO and Bersatu which he claimed were in tatters now. The latter of course is believed to be weakened by constant infighting and bitter leadership tussles.
Unsurprisingly, he did not spare the Parliament and the Attorney General's Chambers either, while criticizing some of the laws that have been passed in the country.
Taking to his popular “X” account, the straight-talking Zaid also took aim at the dire state of Malay-based political parties like UMNO and Bersatu which he claimed were in tatters now. The latter of course is believed to be weakened by constant infighting and bitter leadership tussles.
Unsurprisingly, he did not spare the Parliament and the Attorney General's Chambers either, while criticizing some of the laws that have been passed in the country.
(Prominent lawyer and ex-MP Zaid Ibrahim. Credit Image: Focus Malaysia)Zaid, who is also a popular podcaster, stressed that meritocracy has to find a way into the system, and that it was time for more capable Malays and non-Malays to be absorbed into the country's institutions and organisations.
Furthermore, the former Kota Bharu MP felt that more competent non-Malays must be made leaders so that the federal administration can have a good mix to make a real difference to the Rakyat.
But are the flamboyant ex-lawmaker's hopes just wishful thinking?
Many may feel that Zaid's wishes will never come true given the racial tensions frequently sparked by those claiming to champion race and religion. In fact, even past leaders such as Dr Mahathir and others have been constantly reminding the Malays that their political and economic might is being gradually eroded – and that they must unite to reclaim power.
(News headline/image from Oh My Media)
Will ramping up non-Malay participation in government institutions really bring about greater benefits for the nation?
There can be no doubt that freeing up leadership roles to all ethnic groups will allow access to a bigger pool of talent. At the same time, a clear emphasis on meritocracy will further help to enhance the country's global competitiveness while retaining the top brains in the country.
Significantly, leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures will be able to create more “balanced” policies that will address the needs of all the various communities in the country – and instill in everyone a sense of belonging here.
To some extent this may already be in evidence with several non-Malay leaders already holding top ministerial posts – and many of them performing well too.
It wouldn't have gone unnoticed that only last week, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim gave an audience to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, expressing royal praise for the ministry's strong performance in 2025.
Will ramping up non-Malay participation in government institutions really bring about greater benefits for the nation?
There can be no doubt that freeing up leadership roles to all ethnic groups will allow access to a bigger pool of talent. At the same time, a clear emphasis on meritocracy will further help to enhance the country's global competitiveness while retaining the top brains in the country.
Significantly, leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures will be able to create more “balanced” policies that will address the needs of all the various communities in the country – and instill in everyone a sense of belonging here.
To some extent this may already be in evidence with several non-Malay leaders already holding top ministerial posts – and many of them performing well too.
It wouldn't have gone unnoticed that only last week, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim gave an audience to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, expressing royal praise for the ministry's strong performance in 2025.
News headline/image from Star Online dated 1 March 2025.
Likewise, last year Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak had also conveyed his congratulations and appreciation to the same DAP lawmaker on his ministry's various successes in 2024.
Meanwhile, another prominent non-Malay minister whose performance has been lauded due to his hands-on, people-centred approach is Nga’s party head Anthony Loke. Without doubt, the latter's single-minded mission to improve the nation's transportation ecosystem for the benefit of the rakyat has helped to confound his critics – and earned plaudits from both the Malays and non-Malays alike.
Is it plain jealousy – or something deeper?
Yet, aren't these the same ministers who often come under attack from right-wing politicians who seemingly refuse to acknowledge non-Malay leaders' high performance level and contribution to nation-building? In fact, aren't these self-proclaimed “champions of race and religion” the biggest obstacle to the creation of a more harmonious, competitive and prosperous Malaysia?
Meanwhile, another prominent non-Malay minister whose performance has been lauded due to his hands-on, people-centred approach is Nga’s party head Anthony Loke. Without doubt, the latter's single-minded mission to improve the nation's transportation ecosystem for the benefit of the rakyat has helped to confound his critics – and earned plaudits from both the Malays and non-Malays alike.
Is it plain jealousy – or something deeper?
Yet, aren't these the same ministers who often come under attack from right-wing politicians who seemingly refuse to acknowledge non-Malay leaders' high performance level and contribution to nation-building? In fact, aren't these self-proclaimed “champions of race and religion” the biggest obstacle to the creation of a more harmonious, competitive and prosperous Malaysia?
(How many times have we heard this sort of criticism hurled disrespectfully at non-Malay politicians? News headline and image from TV Pertiwi)
Moreover, didn't newly-minted Federal Territories minister Hannah Yeoh also face brickbats from some of the usual suspects – including Anwar's unity government partners UMNO/BN – in the controversy over the proposed election of mayor for Kuala Lumpur?
Moreover, didn't newly-minted Federal Territories minister Hannah Yeoh also face brickbats from some of the usual suspects – including Anwar's unity government partners UMNO/BN – in the controversy over the proposed election of mayor for Kuala Lumpur?
Excerpts of news headlines/image from Facebook TSSM (Malaysiakini)Truth be told, as long as “pro-nationalist” politicians and religious supremacists in this country are given the “licence” to freely attack non-Malay leaders who sincerely strive for the rakyat's wellbeing, the country's past glories are unlikely to be restored. Period.
That said, since taking office, PMX has put his head on the “chopping block” by appointing several non-Malays to high-profile ministries. But the million-ringgit question remains: when will he have the “guts” to take stern action against those who hamper his efforts by constantly playing up the divisive race and religion narratives – particularly the “trojan horses” within his unity government partners?
Main Information source: “X” Account (Zaid Ibrahim) and Star Online.
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