No more fear this Merdeka with ‘oppressive’ government gone, says PM

Bede Hong Bede Hong Updated 7 years ago · Published on 31 Aug 2018 5:00PM · 0 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad delivering a speech after making a surprise appearance at the ‘Malaysia Baharu’ celebration organized by Malaysians for Malaysia at Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, August 31, 2018.

MALAYSIANS welcomed the Merdeka celebrations today with a sense of relief and freedom as the old regime has been removed from government, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“They feel they are no longer oppressed. There was fear before. You can’t do this, you can’t do that,” he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

“If you are seen being friendly with somebody, it is wrong.

“And then the income tax department comes along and ask you to pay more tax,” he said.

Dr Mahathir had earlier dropped in unexpectedly at a Merdeka celebration, titled “Harapan Malaysia Baru!” (Hopes of new Malaysia), organised by the ‘Malaysians for Malaysia’ grouping.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad says Malaysians can now be breathe a sigh of relief as the 'oppressive' old government has been removed from power. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, August 31, 2018.

Present with him were his daughter and rights activist Marina Mahathir, deputy minister Hannah Yeoh, former Selangor exco Elizabeth Wong and Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah.

Some 200 people who were present, including activists, stood and gave a standing ovation to the prime minister as he entered the Bukit Damansara community hall.

Dr Mahathir said the May 9 polls were a significant historical event, saying the country has achieved many “records” under the previous government.

“They achieve the biggest amount stolen,” he said to laughter from the crowds.

“We have something to be proud about. For one thing, we have a change of government without the customary violence and killings. It was a peaceful transition.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the peaceful transition of power in Malaysia after the 14th general election must not be taken for granted. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, August 31, 2018.

“This is an achievement many people do not really notice or appreciate. In most countries, when a kleptocratic government is defeated, the desire to stay on is so great. With that desire, they want to do everything possible to stay in power.

“But the people have other ideas. They have given the opposition a small majority.

“There would have been violence but the people decided to change the government. Not so much for Pakatan Harapan but to get rid of so and so. We have done it.”

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh says civil servants must not be afraid to change their mindset following the regime change on May 9. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, August 31, 2018.

Earlier, Yeoh said the new government was challenging civil servants to change their mindsets and work ethics, admitting that change “will take some time”.

She also said Kuala Lumpur communities should not be afraid to speak out against racism.

“I believe Malaysia has enough space for everyone to agree and disagree. I hope Malaysians can co-exist.” – August 31, 2018.

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