Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has criticised the fragmentation of Malay politics, claiming that the proliferation of race-based parties has weakened unity within the community.
The former prime minister said the emergence of multiple political parties representing Malay interests has led to internal competition, ultimately reducing their collective strength.
He argued that many now believe political victory can be achieved solely through party formation, a mindset he said has contributed to divisions among Malays. “They are competing against each other. None will win. In the end, they lose, and the nation suffers,” he said in a Facebook post.
Mahathir added that such divisions could have serious consequences, warning that the loss of unity may jeopardise the position of Malays in the country. He described the current situation as a critical moment for the community.
Reflecting on the past, he noted that Malays were once united under United Malays National Organisation, stressing that unity — not the party itself — was the key strength at the time.
Today, several parties continue to represent Malay and Bumiputera interests, including Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, People’s Justice Party Malaysia, Parti Amanah Negara and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, along with smaller parties such as PEJUANG, IKATAN and PUTRA.
Efforts have been made to bridge these divides, including UMNO’s “Kolaborasi Agung” initiative aimed at uniting Malay and Islamic-based parties under a common platform to address shared concerns.
Earlier this year, representatives from several political parties gathered for the Musyawarah on Islamic and Bumiputera issues at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, marking a rare joint discussion on matters affecting religion and the community.
