PM treats Malays worse than colonials, says Dr M after rally cancelled

 

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is flipping the script against his once heir apparent Anwar Ibrahim after the nonagenarian’s plans to hold a pro-Malay gathering were nixed once again.

During the Reformasi movement, Anwar's supporters labelled Mahathir as mahafiraun (great pharaoh) and mahazalim (great oppressor) over the former's sacking as deputy premier and subsequent jailing, as well as the crackdown against his supporters.

Now, it is Mahathir’s turn to paint the present prime minister as an oppressor - one that is worse than the British colonials.

"During the British era, we can speak out, form parties, and fight for the Malays.

"During my time Malays could speak out too, but in Anwar's 'democratic' era, Malays can't speak up.

"That is Anwar Ibrahim's democracy," he told reporters during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar had previously sued Pendang MP Awang Hashim for calling the premier more vindictive than Mahathir.

Mahathir was supposed to attend a "Malay People's Proclamation" event today.

However, the event was cancelled after the organisers repeatedly lost their event venues.

‘Why they are afraid?’

Speaking at a press conference, today, Mahathir implied that the government was behind the cancellations.

"I'm not sure why they are afraid of Malays that they would not allow them to meet. Four times we had chosen a venue for the gathering but all did not give permission.

"If they are afraid of me, my party lost 125 seats in the 15th general election, and not by a little, all our deposits were burned," he said.

Mahathir further speculated that the government feared that its wrongdoings would be exposed if the Malays are united.

However, he did not provide any evidence for his claim of government interference.

Yesterday, Anwar called on Malays to not be fooled by leaders who claim to fight for their rights but at the same time go on to amass wealth.

"There is someone now who, after 22 years and 22 months of being in power, is lamenting about Malays losing everything, losing assets, shares.

“How not to, when you have amassed them for yourself, your family and your children? And then when you have lost power, you speak about (issues concerning) the people," he had said at the PKR congress. - Mkini