FORMER Umno minister Rais Yatim moved to assuage Malay fears that a vote for Pakatan Harapan will see the erosion of their power.

His assertion through a video clip is significant because he is recognised as a Malay nationalist and someone who has championed the cause of the Malay culture and language.

By publicly supporting PH, Rais is following a trend in GE14 of former Umno leaders stumping for the opposition. 

In the two-minute clip, Rais said that allegations by Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders that DAP, the only Chinese-majority party within the opposition, would determine the policies and future of the country were “lies meant to scare, so that Malays do not place their trust in Pakatan Harapan”.

Rais urged Malays to reject accusations of DAP destroying the rights of the Malays, but to instead consider the fact that “big mistakes under the leadership of Umno and BN” would bring greater damage to the country and to their race.

“The time has come, Malays need to think now. Malays now are not the same as those from 30 or 20 years ago. They can now see how the corruption has been going on and how we need to change all of these,” he said.

“We can see that all the major cities in the country, along with new and old villages, are heading in the same direction in wanting to change the government, change the direction and the future of this country and of our race.”

Rais now joins former Umno Wanita chief Rafidah Aziz and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin in stepping out against their former party.

All three veteran politicians have been sacked from the party for their efforts. – May 8, 2018