On PAS stage, Dr M calls for a clean sweep by PN in state polls

 

In his debut appearance on a PAS stage in Kelantan tonight, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad rallied voters to ensure Perikatan Nasional (PN)’s victory in the upcoming six state elections on Aug 12.

Addressing a crowd of thousands gathered at Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV in Kota Bharu, Mahathir said PN must make a clean sweep in all six states, of which three are now held by Pakatan Harapan.

“We will have the state elections, there will be six state elections. I hope there will be a clean sweep.

“We are all Malays. Many said Malays are divided and will never unite, but tonight we can see Malay party leaders gathered here to fight for the country’s future,” he said.

The nonagenarian most recently quit the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) movement.

Meanwhile, Mahathir expressed hope for a high turnout of Malay voters to ensure PN’s victory in the six states.

“Sometimes we see Malays do not go out to vote because they are sick of politics, but if we don’t go out to vote then it is as if we’re giving away our votes to those who are not qualified to win and form the government,” he said.

Mahathir, who since his departure from GTA pursued a “Malay Proclamation” agenda, also expressed his happiness at the opportunity to be in Kelantan and observe developments in the PAS-led state.

“I feel grateful to be here together in this stadium that shows that we the Malays still have strength.

“I am also happy to be here in Kelantan and I’m pleased to be able to visit the place of the late (Kelantan menteri besar) Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and his family,” he said.

Mahathir described the former PAS spiritual advisor as a figure credited for the Islamist party’s struggle and the struggle of Malay nationalists.

The ‘Malam Munajat Pakat Pertahan PAS Kelantan’ hosted by PAS was also attended by PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, and a line-up of central and state PN leaders. - Mkini