GEORGE TOWN – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said a Parti Pejuang Tanah Air-dominated government will strive to bring Malays up to the same economic level as the Chinese.
“Pejuang is a Malay political party, and while it will strive to bring up Malays to approximately the same economic level as non-Malays – particularly the Chinese – it will (also) adhere to all the liberal policies and privileges that Malaysia accords non-Malays.
“In addition to that, a Pejuang-dominated government will uphold democratic principles and the rule of law. It will reject and outlaw all kinds of abuses of power and corruption by the administration.
“It will practise good governance with the objective of making Malaysia a developed country by 2030 or earlier.
“This is our pledge. Supporting Pejuang is supporting Malaysia and Malaysians. While the Malays can hope to catch up, the others will not lose their places and opportunities,” said the former prime minister in a statement today.
Dr Mahathir said ever since independence, Malaysia has been ruled by multiracial, yet predominantly Malay governments. Malays form the backbone of governments simply because they make up the majority of citizens in the country.
“But the Malay-dominated governments had accorded non-Malays certain rights, which other multiracial countries do not allow.
“By any standard, the Malaysian liberalism towards non-Malays is unprecedented,” said Dr Mahathir, adding that there are very few conflicts between those of different races.
Because of this leeway, the Pejuang chairman said, other races are allowed to retain their identification with their countries of origin, languages, cultures, schools, non-governmental and civil organisations, chambers of commerce, associations, assembly halls, sporting teams, and clubs.
He said there is also no requirement to assimilate with indigenous Malays and other Bumiputeras.
“The official language is Malay, but except in official documents, other languages can be spoken and used in private communication, newspapers, radio, TV, and alternative media.
“By the same token, Islam is the official religion, but other religions can be adhered to and practised in any language. The only requirement is that all Malays must be Muslims. Their conversion to other religions is prohibited.” – The Vibes, November 15, 2021
