Dr M: I’m distressed by loss of Malay voice

By The Star

PASIR MAS: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has declared he is not a racist but someone who is distressed over an apparent loss of the Malay political voice in the country.

He said racism was the furthest thing from his mind whenever he touched on the subject of Malay rights.

“The country must understand that Malays are now split into three (political) factions, none of which has adequate political support to govern the country effectively.”

Alluding to the split among the Malays in Umno, PAS and PKR, the former premier said he was only talking about the rights of the Malays in the country.

“I do not think the Malays are seeking to take away the rights of other communities.

“They have their rights which are protected under the (Federal) Constitution,” he said when addressing a gathering of thousands organised by Perkasa at the Pasir Mas railway depot here.

Dr Mahathir claimed that the Malays were split because of selfish politicians who wanted power at all costs.

Umno, he said, was also to be blamed as some grassroots leaders behaved like warlords and prevented talented members from moving up the party’s ladder.