Non-Malay PM only possible when Malays ready, says Dr M

 

Dr Mahathir Mohamad cited the example of Singapore, where the prime minister has always been from the majority race since independence.

PETALING JAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad says Malaysia will only have a non-Malay prime minister when the Malays, who make up the majority of the population, are ready to accept one.

The former prime minister said that while the Federal Constitution only stipulates one requirement for the top post, racial dynamics dictate that the position be helmed by someone from the majority race.

The constitution dictates that the prime ministerial candidate must be an MP who, in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s judgment, is likely to command majority support.

Mahathir cited the example of Singapore, where the prime minister has always been from the majority race since independence.

“(Singapore’s late founding leader) Lee Kuan Yew admitted a non-Chinese leader might face challenges in gaining acceptance among the predominantly Chinese population. So, the prime minister of Singapore will always be Chinese,” he said in a statement.

Likewise, Mahathir said, Penang has never had a non-Chinese chief minister.

He said that given the racial balance being in favour of the non-Malays, when Umno had the largest number of seats under Barisan Nasional, it still gave way to Gerakan.

“And so, by the same token, in Malaysia, even if Malays are divided politically, they still make up the majority race.

“Until and unless the Malays feel that they can accept a non-Malay as prime minister, it is status quo ante. Period,” said Mahathir.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said there is no need for the Federal Constitution to be amended to restrict the prime ministership to Malays.

He added that there has been no serious request or discussion on amending the constitution so that only a Malay MP may lead the nation.

“Since Merdeka, every prime ministerial candidate has been Malay. The candidates from both the government and the opposition have always been Malay,” he said.

Anwar was responding to Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal’s call for Anwar to use his two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat to amend the constitution to ensure that only Malays can become the prime minister.

Wan Fayhsal had said this would help “restore confidence” among Malays who were perturbed by DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang’s remarks on whether a non-Malay could become the prime minister. - FMT