KUALA LUMPUR: THE MALAYS, as a result of being divided, have unwittingly become the “minority” in a country where they are the majority, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said Malays had splintered into “sects” — Umno, Pas and PKR — which resulted in the Malay rule splitting three ways, with each garnering no more than 50 per cent of support.
“There was a time when we established the ‘sharing concept’ between the races, where we (Malays) were willing to give free nationality to one million non-Malays, resulting in our 80 per cent rule decreasing to 60 per cent.
“Now, with the division of support among us, the 60 per cent is divided three ways,” he said at the Nusantara Youth Leadership Convention here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir said because of disunity, Malays were now forced to become beggars for support in the general election.
“When we become beggars, we no longer have power,” he said, adding that the country’s success did not guarantee the success of Malays.
Delivering the event’s keynote address, titled “The Direction of Malay Muslims Towards Vision 2020”, Dr Mahathir emphasised the need for Malaysia and its future leaders to take the past as a lesson and blueprint in ensuring future success, as well as hold on to unity as the key to progress.
“A group that unites is strong, and disunity is a factor that leads to weakness and failure.
“Malays cannot be lazy. We must strive hard and be united.”
He said he believed that Vision 2020 was achievable if the right approach was taken.
“We can still achieve Vision 2020, especially (in terms of) our economy or income per capita, but that does not make us a developed country.
“To be a developed country, it is not only a matter of income per capita, but we must also have certain potentials.”
Commenting on the plunging price of fuel worldwide and how it would affect Malaysia, Dr Mahathir said there were pros and cons.
“In one aspect, it would lower the cost of living.
“But in another, it means that Petronas would not get as much income as it did in times when the oil price was high.
“As a result, Petronas’ contribution to the government would be reduced, which would indirectly affect the national budget.”