Dr M: 1Malaysia just like opposition’s ‘Malaysian Malaysia’

(Malay Mail Online) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took aim at Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s “1Malaysia” concept of racial inclusivity today, saying by doing away with affirmative action for the Bumiputera, the prime minister was only realising the dream of DAP’s “Malaysian Malaysia” slogan.

Dr Mahathir, who has become the harshest critic of Najib’s government, also accused the prime minister of ignoring Bumiputera rights in order to be seen as supportive of the Chinese and Indians here.

“He reduced places for bumis in the government universities even though in the numerous private universities and twinned colleges, bumis make up less than 10 per cent.

“Bumiputera contractors and small business no longer had government favour. Most had to stop their businesses,” Dr Mahathir wrote in a latest blog posting.

“Without saying so in so many words, he had adopted the Malaysian Malaysia slogan of the opposition, only calling it One Malaysia instead,” he added.

Dr Mahathir claimed Najib started handing out money to people, not just individuals with household incomes under RM3,000 a month, but also to associations and the corporate sector, and that “billions” had allegedly been spent by the government on this to ensure support for the PM.

Rallies were also organised, Dr Mahathir claimed, where organisers were instructed to gather no less than 10,000 people to cheer Najib on with many holding placards with the words “IM4U”.

“Despite all these the Chinese refused to support Najib. They flocked to the opposition and he performed worse than Abdullah in the 13th General Election,” Dr Mahathir said, referring to his successor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“The Malays too did not support Najib. Selangor after he headed Umno did worse than 2008. Malays only voted for BN because they feared (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) would appoint (Lim) Kit Siang as DPM (deputy prime minister),” he added, saying that despite all this he continued supporting Najib.

“But now with the controversies dogging him I am sure BN would lose if he leads it in the 14th GE,” Dr Mahathir concluded.

In recent remarks, Dr Mahathir said he could no longer remain silent and that the days for diplomacy have long passed, adding he will now push for Najib’s resignation openly.

He said the prime minister’s refusal to address allegations such as those surrounding 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu has put Barisan Nasional’s (BN) rule at risk.