15.10.2024

Engaging the Malay Gentry: Reconnecting the T20 class with the broader Malaysian community

Explore how the Malay T20 class can reconnect with their roots and embrace social responsibility. GC addresses the role of the Malay elite in giving back, fostering a culture of generosity, and overcoming the growing disconnect with the wider community.

President Kennedy welcoming then-Deputy Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak to the White House in 1961.

Getty. Picture for illustration only.

Question from Dr. Imran:

Hi GC,

I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to you regarding a pressing issue that has recently been brought to light in a thought-provoking column by Samirul Ariff Othman in the New Straits Times, titled "Malay T20 must be encouraged to give back to the people" (published on October 13, 2024). You can read the link here: https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2024/10/1119228/malay-t20-must-be-encouraged-give-back-people

The article raises important questions about the growing disconnect between the Malay Gentry (T20 class) and the broader Malaysian community. As a platform that influences and engages with Malaysia's gentlemen, I believe GC is uniquely positioned to address this issue and potentially spark a meaningful dialogue.

Mr. Othman's column highlights how the New Economic Policy (NEP) has successfully created a Malay Gentry (T20 class), but also points out that many in this group have become disconnected from their roots and the struggles of ordinary Malaysians. He draws parallels with the historical role of the Javanese Gentry (Prijaji) during Indonesia's independence struggle, emphasizing the importance of elites engaging with and advocating for the broader population.

In light of this, I'd like to propose three key questions for consideration:

1. How can GC encourage the Malay T20 to reconnect with their communities and recognize their social responsibilities?

2. What initiatives or content could the platform develop to promote a culture of giving back among its readers, particularly those in the T20 category?

3. How can we address the "kacang lupakan kulit" sentiment and promote a stronger sense of communal responsibility among the Malay elite?

The article suggests that the success of the T20 "belongs to the people." With this in mind, I believe your platform could play a crucial role in reshaping the narrative around success and social responsibility within the Malay community.

I would be very interested in your thoughts on this matter and any plans GC might have to address these issues in future content or initiatives.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and to seeing how GC continues to shape the discourse on gentlemanly conduct and social responsibility in Malaysia.

Best regards,

Dr Imran

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hi Dr. Imran,

Thank you for your insightful email and for highlighting such an important and timely issue. We at GC appreciate your thoughtful reflections on Mr. Samirul Ariff Othman’s column, which indeed raises critical questions about the evolving role of the Malay Gentry (T20 class/affluent class) and their engagement with the broader community. It’s a conversation that resonates deeply with our mission of shaping the modern gentleman, not just in style but in substance and societal responsibility.

At GC, we have always sought to elevate the discussion around leadership, social responsibility, and gentlemanly conduct, aptly known as "Noblesse Oblige". Through our content, we aim to foster a sense of purpose and ethical leadership among our readers, many of whom fall within the T20 demographic. Our recent articles, such as those on the "Merdeka Spirit: A gentleman’s pride in ancestry" and "A gentlemen's guide to countering Golongan Kayangan perceptions in Malaysia," echo similar themes of societal accountability and reconnecting with one's roots.

**Recognizing the growing divide between the Malay elite and the wider Malaysian community, we are excited to introduce a new "Wealth & Power" section to our platform**. This section will emphasize financial empowerment, community upliftment, and sustainable wealth creation. One of its core objectives will be to guide the Malaysian Gentry (and Malay Gentry) in realizing their potential to drive meaningful change—not just through philanthropy, but also by fostering entrepreneurship, mentoring the next generation, and investing in social projects that benefit the wider community.

In response to the key questions you’ve raised:

1. Reconnecting the T20 with their communities: We believe storytelling plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes. In upcoming features, we will highlight successful Malay entrepreneurs and thought leaders who exemplify a deep connection to their communities, celebrating those who embody "kacang tidak lupakan kulit." Through interviews and profiles, we hope to inspire others to follow their lead.

2. Promoting a culture of giving back: We are in the process of developing content around the concept of “Gentleman Philanthropy,” which will feature not only high-profile figures but also emerging leaders who prioritize giving back.

3. Addressing the disconnect sentiment: The new Wealth & Power section will also tackle the broader issue of elitism and the responsibility that comes with wealth. By highlighting success stories rooted in communal growth and historical parallels with figures like the Javanese Prijaji, we aim to remind the T20 class that their success is intertwined with the progress of the nation.

We are excited about this new chapter for GC, and we sincerely hope it will contribute positively to the ongoing conversation about wealth, power, and responsibility within the Malay gentry community.

Your feedback and engagement are invaluable as we move forward with this initiative. We welcome any further thoughts you may have and look forward to exploring potential collaborations to advance this vital cause.

With gratitude and respect,

The Gentleman

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Engaging the Malay Gentry: Reconnecting the T20 class with the broader Malaysian community

Explore how the Malay T20 class can reconnect with their roots and embrace social responsibility. GC addresses the role of the Malay elite in giving back, fostering a culture of generosity, and overcoming the growing disconnect with the wider community.

Question from Dr. Imran:

Hi GC,

In light of this, I'd like to propose three key questions for consideration:

1. How can GC encourage the Malay T20 to reconnect with their communities and recognize their social responsibilities?

2. What initiatives or content could the platform develop to promote a culture of giving back among its readers, particularly those in the T20 category?

3. How can we address the "kacang lupakan kulit" sentiment and promote a stronger sense of communal responsibility among the Malay elite?

The article suggests that the success of the T20 "belongs to the people." With this in mind, I believe your platform could play a crucial role in reshaping the narrative around success and social responsibility within the Malay community.

I would be very interested in your thoughts on this matter and any plans GC might have to address these issues in future content or initiatives.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and to seeing how GC continues to shape the discourse on gentlemanly conduct and social responsibility in Malaysia.

Best regards,

Dr Imran

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hi Dr. Imran,

In response to the key questions you’ve raised:

2. Promoting a culture of giving back: We are in the process of developing content around the concept of “Gentleman Philanthropy,” which will feature not only high-profile figures but also emerging leaders who prioritize giving back.

We are excited about this new chapter for GC, and we sincerely hope it will contribute positively to the ongoing conversation about wealth, power, and responsibility within the Malay gentry community.

Your feedback and engagement are invaluable as we move forward with this initiative. We welcome any further thoughts you may have and look forward to exploring potential collaborations to advance this vital cause.

With gratitude and respect,

The Gentleman

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