Malay Dignity Congress exposes Mahathir's hypocrisy: Gerakan VP

An opposition leader said the hypocrisy of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was exposed at the Malay Dignity Congress held in Shah Alam on Sunday.

Gerakan vice-president Baljit Singh (above) said Mahathir's insincerity in solving the real problems of all Malaysians surfaced when he showed up at the congress, which was attended by thousands.

Mahathir had no real intention of listening to the community's plight or resolving their problems, argued Baljit.

"We all know Mahathir's presence there was just a show. It was the biggest showtime and performance since he pulled an earlier one on May 9, 2018," Baljit quipped.

"The Tanjong Piai by-election is coming up. With only 35 percent support, Pakatan Harapan is desperate to garner Malay support.

"There is so much Mahathir or Harapan can do without supporting this Malay Dignity Congress, which makes others feel uncomfortable.

"Just fulfil the Harapan GE14 manifesto and you would have saved the dignity of all Malaysians, especially those who voted for you," he said.

The congress made several "thorny demands" which irked many, including asking for top government posts to be reserved exclusively for Malays.

After the congress, Mahathir said the government would consider the resolutions, but not all would materialise.

He admitted that the government lacked the "Malay element" and that it was not as strong as during BN's 60-year-old rule.

He blamed the Malays themselves for being disunited, being left out economically and having to rely on other races for support.

Baljit said if Mahathir or Harapan was serious in building a New Malaysia, it is time to disallow all political parties or groups based on race or religion.

He said that was the only way to guarantee that all communities have a fair share in the current state and future of the country.

"With race and religious dominant parties and NGOs still alive and kicking, the discourse in Malaysia will be eternally hijacked by issues of race and religion, and will never be able to move forward," Baljit said.

"So do the right and honourable thing. Power now resides in your hand. Make a real change and give Malaysia a chance to be the real great nation that it is capable of being when all communities come together as one," he added. - Mkini