Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called on Malay voters to support Malay candidates in the next General Election (GE), saying it is essential if Malaysia is to remain “Tanah Melayu”.
In an open letter shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, the former Langkawi MP said Malays would soon face an important choice at the ballot box, warning that the consequences of their decision would have a lasting impact on the country’s future.
Dr Mahathir urged voters to prioritise the candidate’s identity over political affiliation, saying Malays should cast their votes for Malay candidates regardless of their party or any non-governmental organisation (NGO) they may be associated with. He added that the identities of the candidates he was referring to would be revealed when the General Election takes place.
The veteran politician also argued that the loyalty of the Malay community should be directed towards the Malay race rather than political parties or specific groups. According to him, placing party loyalty above ethnic interests could put the country’s identity at risk.
He warned that if “Tanah Melayu” were to lose its identity, the Malay people could eventually lose their homeland altogether. Dr Mahathir said such a situation would leave Malays as a nation without a country, underscoring what he described as the importance of making the “right choice” when the next General Election is held.
The remarks are expected to add to political debate ahead of the country’s next polls, with issues surrounding race, identity and national direction continuing to feature prominently in Malaysia’s political landscape.
