The recent spate of polemics on Bangsa Johor and Bangsa Malaysia provides a good window and opportunity to discuss the nature and direction of the Malaysian nation and state. Both Bangsa Johor and Bangsa Malaysia as articulated by their proponents belong to the category of civic nation with the common purpose of uniting all peoples in the multiracial state and country. Only if the Johor or Perak identity is advanced in opposition to and as an alternative to the Malaysian identity, would they become problematic. Thus, Bangsa Johor and Bangsa Malaysia, as articulated by their proponents, should be viewed as complementary rather than antithetical. Although Dr Mahathir articulated the idea of Malaysian Malaysia as part of his Wawasan 2020, he appears to have backtracked.

Source: The Edge Markets September 17, 2016 09:00 UTC