Unite or risk losing next general election, Dr Mahathir tells Malays

(The Star) – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged the Malays to unite or risk losing a government that looks after their interests.

“Right now we are divided and that could spell defeat in the next general election.

“If that happens, I’m scared that it could spell the end of Umno which takes care of the Malays,” he said.

He said that if the opposition won, the government would be led by DAP, which does not have the interest of the Malays at heart.

Dr Mahathir, who was speaking at a Gerakan Melayu Bersatu Demi Islam meeting at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman here on Sunday, however, added that the rakyat should always provide the government with constructive criticism to keep it from straying.

“I have been around a long time and seen many things. So when I criticise, I have my reasons.

“If I am prime minister and I steal and take bribes, don’t blindly support me. Advise me,” Dr Mahathir said.

He added that it is up to the rakyat to make sure tleaders of the country do not go about things the wrong way.

“We are lucky to live in a country which is spared from wars and major disasters like earthquakes and volcanoes.

“So let us all work together to preserve what we have instead of being divided,” he said.