Who needs a social contract?

Who needs a social contract?
Kee Thuan Chye

LAST week, I heard on BFM Radio an interview with a Malaysian about the meaning of Merdeka. When he was asked about the so-called "social contract" that was supposedly made by our founding fathers, and whether he believed it existed, he said that if it didn't, why don't we make one now?

Who needs such a social contract? Why should there be one 52 years after our nation attained independence? You mean, after all these years of Malaysian citizens living together and co-developing this blessed land, we still need a social contract? Whatever for? Because we don't trust one another? We need something akin to a pre-nuptial contract? Hey, brother, the wedding took place 52 years ago!

By now, we should have settled in nicely to the marriage, come to understand one another better, respect one another's rights and beliefs, feel secure in the partnership. And most of all, not take each other for granted.

I don't think there ever was a nuptial agreement … er, social contract. Our founding fathers discussed the terms of agreement before independence could be achieved and most of that was incorporated into the Constitution. It is only in recent times, when certain parties began to feel a sense of insecurity in the face of perceived contentious challenges, that this idea of a social contract has been touted.

To me, it is merely a ploy to remind certain groups that they should know their place and therefore not make any demands. Thus, to give attention to such a ploy and go through the rigmarole of working out a social contract would be to engage in a messy – and unnecessary – exercise.

Our energy would be better channelled towards focusing on what needs to be done today. What is most pressing is the here and now. Letters in the English-language newspapers lament that there are now reports of racism every day in the press. Some call out to Malaysians to "embrace our differences", "make co-existence our guiding light", "uphold unity at all times". Why are we still saying these after 52 years?

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