SG PETANI – Championing Malay unity is meaningless to the community if only the corrupt ones are coming together to win the next general election, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said Malay unity stands for the reunification of sincere Malays, who want the best for their country, instead of those who use it for their own interests.
The Langkawi MP added that it was the corrupt leaders who destroyed Umno, the party who fought for independence.
“Umno is corrupt to the core now and if they regain power in the next election, I think the country is going to suffer even more,” said the Pejuang founder during a party roadshow at the Taman Ria Jaya expo site here yesterday.
The fledgling Malay party is embarking on its roadshow in Kedah to boost its appeal ahead of the general election.
In a lengthy speech, Dr Mahathir said he formed Pejuang because it is the Malays who have the most problems in the country and are struggling to take advantage of their government incentives to improve their economic standing.
However, he said although Pejuang is a Malay-based party, it will take care of all races if it is voted into power.
“We must be responsible to determine who our next government must be. We’ll decide the fate of our country. If we vote in corrupt leaders, then it is natural to see the country go backwards but if we want progress, we need capable and sincere leaders.”
He urged voters to stay away from accepting bribes as low as RM200 just to vote in corrupt parties.
“If we are sincere, we will not be approaching anyone to offer bribes. We will win based on our capabilities and abilities.”
1MDB scandal continues to be a burden: Mukhriz
At the same event, party president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said the country continues to bear the burden of repaying the debt caused by the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) financial scandal
He said even if former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak goes to jail over 1MDB, the country still has to repay the debts incurred by the scandal.
“The losses to the tune of billions need to be accounted for by the public, the average taxpayer, their children, grandchildren and so on.”
In his criticism of Najib, Mukhriz said the former leader has caused untold damage by his alleged involvement in 1MDB, also slamming the proposal to reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
“This is the tax we fought so hard against. Now, they want to bring it back amid increases in living costs,” he added.
Mukhriz also took aim at Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over the apparent lack of development in the state.
He said Sanusi has made many announcements but until now, none has seen fruition.
“From record foreign direct investments to the airport in Sidam, to a motorsports track here. Hardly anything is taking place, even in Langkawi.
“And water supply remains a perennial issue here despite the fact that the minister in charge is the PAS deputy president (Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man).” – The Vibes, July 3, 2022
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