Dr M should not officiate congress even as 'Malay leader' – Zaid

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad should not officiate the Malay Dignity Congress as it would lead to a surfeit of speculations, according to Zaid Ibrahim.

Speaking to Malaysiakini this evening, he also disagreed with event secretariat chief executive Zainal Kling's statement that Mahathir, who is Bersatu chairperson, is attending in his capacity as a Malay leader and not prime minister.

“The distinction between Malay leader and prime minister is pathetic,” he said.

Zaid argued if Mahathir officiates the congress, there would be speculation that it is his brainchild and this is not good for the premier.

“People will say he is trying to get the backing of Malay MPs (from other parties) because he is not getting support from other Pakatan Harapan parties.

“All sorts of speculation will emerge. That is not good for a someone touted as a world icon.

“Finally, people will say Harapan, which Mahathir represents, has lost it all and is desperately clutching at racial issues,” he added.

Zaid also disagreed with Zainal's (photo) justification that the congress is in response to certain quarters challenging and questioning the position of the Malays and Islam.

“What do they mean by questioning?” asked the former minister.

Zaid pointed out that if certain quarters complain that there is rampant racial discrimination, this is not questioning the position of the Malays but seeking their rights as citizens.

“We don't have first-class and subclass citizenry under the Federal Constitution.

“As for Islam. if people question the role of ulama (religious scholars) as political leaders, that is not questioning Islam. They just want to preserve democracy because we are not Iran or Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Yesterday, PAS confirmed that its president Abdul Hadi Awang would be attending the congress at Stadium Malawati in Shah Alam this weekend.

Umno, which has also been invited, has not decided on whether to attend.

In a sarcastic tweet earlier, Zaid said the congress is not about saving the Malays or Islam.

“Men of dignity will assemble on Oct 6. It is not about saving the Malays or Islam, it is saving themselves,” he added. - Mkini