Here is an honest description of nationalism, often attributed to Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970): “Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.”
Whoever said it, the point holds: what it describes is racial or ethnic nationalism.
The word nationalism seems innocent enough. But pair it with ‘racial’ or ‘ethnic’, and it stops being innocent.
Nevertheless, politicians reach for it whenever they run out of ideas, or want to climb to the top quickly.
Even the West uses it, seemingly unaware that it tarnishes its image as liberal.
The West already seems to be losing its position as a liberal stronghold. It increasingly turns to ethnic or racial nationalism as a quick fix for its immigration problems.
I do not know if US President Donald Trump – the ‘leader of the free world’ – realised the negative baggage attached to nationalism. He once called himself a nationalist in a speech at the United Nations.
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Western leaders, in contrast, almost never call themselves nationalist because they know it runs contrary to their liberal image.
Malaysia’s ethnic ‘heroes’
In Malaysia, nationalism is almost always ethnic in nature.
The recent Johor state election proved the point.
Ethnic nationalism appears to be a way of life here. So far, it has not faded.
In almost every election, state or federal, self-appointed ethnic saviours, protectors and heroes appear out of the woodwork – far and wide, across the country.
These self-styled ethnic heroes cannot stop a bullet or leap over tall buildings. But they sure can sow a lot of hatred and insults along the way.
They certainly do not care who they hurt. Each tries to out-hero the other for the “tuan-ship” (mastership) title, or the crown of ethnic hero.
What they preach breeds spitefulness towards people other than their own.
In the Johor election, they fixated on wading into the shallow waters of ethnic nationalism. They largely ignored the bigger economic issues at hand.
They always say they are defending ‘their race’, and all that jazz. But deep down, they are only interested in raising their own political profile.
Just think about it: this whole act is deceptive – Machiavellian, even.
In short, people should not be afraid to question their motives and call them out for what they are – irrespective of their ethnicity.
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
