MALAYSIA faces a trilemma of ensuring continued economic progress for the Malay majority, preserving multiethnic unity and staying globally competitive.
Each of these is essential, but prioritising one often strains the other two.
Push too hard on Malay economic progress with affirmative action policies, and you risk alienating non-Malays, which could fray the fabric of national unity.
Ease up on those policies to promote inclusivity, and the progress of Malays, the backbone of Malaysia's stability, could slow, creating discontent and widening inequality.
Prioritise competitiveness in a fast-paced, meritocratic global economy, and you could leave behind segments of the Malay population, increasing internal instability.
This is Malaysia's tightrope.
The key lies in rethinking how these three elements can be reconciled, and it starts with reforming affirmative action policies.
Malaysia could shift from race-based policies to needs-based ones, ensuring support goes to those who need it most, whether Malay or not.
This could lower ethnic tensions while still supporting vulnerable Malays in their climb up the socioeconomic ladder.
A parallel focus on education, particularly technical and vocational training, could better equip Malays with the skills to succeed in high-value industries, reducing their reliance on government handouts and empowering them to compete on merit.
Next, the government could incentivise Malays to enter high-growth sectors like tech, finance, and green industries, fields where global competitiveness is paramount.
The key is to make Malays major players in the future economy, not just beneficiaries of state support.
This will not only enhance their upward mobility but also strengthen Malaysia's competitiveness on the world stage.
At the same time, fostering multi-ethnic collaboration in business can bridge gaps between communities and reduce tensions over economic opportunities. When different ethnic groups succeed together, national unity becomes less fragile.
But perhaps most important is the need for a shift in the narrative.
Political leaders must emphasise that uplifting Malays does not come at the expense of others, but rather, a thriving Malay community is essential for the success of all Malaysians.
National unity and global competitiveness are not mutually exclusive.
With time, the country can evolve from direct state intervention in the economy to market-driven solutions that promote entrepreneurship and innovation among Malays.
This isn't about making radical changes overnight. It's about gradually recalibrating policies so that Malaysia can build a future where the Malay majority thrives while the nation remains united and can still compete on the global stage.
The future of Malaysia and its stability depends on finding that balance.
Yet, Malay society has evolved from the old two-class structure — with rulers at the top and peasants at the bottom— with the addition of a rising and vibrant middle class.
Despite this, class divisions remain deeply woven into the social fabric, where status consciousness prevails.
One's position in Malay society is either ascribed by birth, as seen with royalty and nobility, or achieved through education, business and social mobility.
Royalty and nobility are still marked by titles like Tuanku, Tengku and Raja, while commoners seek status through economic achievements or the conferment of honorifics, like Datuk, Tan Sri or Tun, granted by the government for contributions to society.
These titles are highly revered and contribute to further class stratification within the Malay elite and middle class.
However, allegations have surfaced over the years that some individuals obtained these titles through financial contributions rather than merit.
The lowest rung of Malay society comprises the poor, including labourers and beggars.
In essence, status in Malay society is either determined by "ascribed status" in the case of royalty and nobility or by "social mobility".
Malaysia's stability is inextricably linked to the vibrancy and dynamism of the Malay community. As the majority ethnic group, their wellbeing is, in many ways, the litmus test for the nation's overall health.
If Malays thrive — educationally, economically and socially — then Malaysia thrives. But if they stagnate, if they become insular or divided by factionalism, the nation risks unravelling.
This is why protections for Malays are hardwired into the Federal Constitution, particularly through Article 153, which grants Malays and Bumiputeras privileges in education, the public sector and business.
In essence, the upward mobility of Malays isn't just about individual success stories; it's about safeguarding the nation's future.
A vibrant, forward-looking Malay community is crucial to Malaysia's stability and prosperity, ensuring that the country progresses rather than slipping into economic disparity and social fragmentation.
The balance between Malay empowerment and national unity is delicate, but it's the key to Malaysia's long-term survival in an increasingly interconnected world.
The writer is an adjunct lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Petronas, international relations analyst and a senior consultant with Global Asia Consulting. He has a background as a senior researcher at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research