Malaysian sovereignty

KETUANAN Melayu and kedaulatan Melayu are two terms that have gained some prominence in the media in recent weeks. They reflect the fears and concerns of a segment of the Malay community generated by the severe setback suffered by the Umno-led ruling coalition in the March 8 general election. Both terms revolve around the Malay position and what is perceived as the erosion of Malay political power.

As a term “Ketuanan Melayu” has been used for decades and has been interpreted in a variety of ways. Malays as “masters” (of the land), “Malay dominance”, “Malay supremacy”, “Malays as the hosts” are among the interpretations that have been bandied about.