I am Malay, have right to attend congress, says PM

Ragananthini Vethasalam Mohd Farhan Darwis Ragananthini Vethasalam, Mohd Farhan Darwis Updated 4 years ago · Published on 6 Oct 2019 1:31PM · 9 Comments

More than 5,000 people are gathered for the Malay Dignity Congress at Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam, Selangor, today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, October 6, 2019.

DR Mahathir Mohamad has defended his right to attend today’s Malay Dignity Congress, citing his ethnicity.

“I was told by a few people not to attend this congress, but this is not about parties or certain groups. What is going to be discussed is the dignity of Malays,” the prime minister said in his keynote address at the event in Shah Alam.

“As a Malay, I have the right to attend this congress,” he told a crowd of more than 5,000 at Malawati Stadium.

Dr Mahathir said he had attended other race-based events such as those held by the Hakka and Indian communities, but no one had protested then.

Today’s event is organised by Universiti Malaya’s Malay Excellence Studies Centre in collaboration with UiTM, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Sultan Idris Education University.

The congress’ organisers had said Dr Mahathir was invited because he was the leader of a Malay party, namely Bersatu.

Critics have slammed the invitation and Dr Mahathir’s decision to accept it, saying the prime minister should represent all Malaysians, not just one race.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's decision to attend today's Malay Dignity Congress has been slammed, with critics saying he should represent Malaysians of all races. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, October 6, 2019.

Politicians from both sides of the divide were present at this morning’s event

Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman of Bersatu and Education Minister Maszlee Malik and Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu of Amanah were the cabinet members at the event.

The opposition was represented by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Umno’s  Annuar Musa, Hishamuddin Hussein and Khairy Jamaluddin.

The two sides were also present at a press conference held at the event.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir expressed his regret that the Malay community, which made up 60% of the population, had been split by their affiliation to six political groups.

He said the government was also not as Malay as it used to be.

“That is the truth now because we are divided. That’s why I said when you depend on other people you have to take into consideration their wishes, otherwise you won’t get their support.” – October 6, 2019.

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Comments

  • Fine, but will you then allow minorities to convene similar mono-race conventions? Not that such is needed nor meaningful, complain less work and think more! Stinking hypocrisy, mindless double standards and misguided feelings of insecurity, caused by generations of being told they have special rights. Sickening for the majority to moan and gripe when the balance has ALWAYS been tilted entirely to their favour in Malaysia. Just makes the majority look so utterly spastic, spineless and brainless.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mahsuri Sighs · Reply

  • Malaysian Melayus, try talking to your fellow Melayus that have migrated to Singapore, Australia, NZ, Europe, North America etc. They all left as their embarassed to be associated with you lot.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mahsuri Sighs · Reply

  • Will this ever change? Doesnt look soon or likely, as all PH politicians led by the old fox are repeating the same tunes of the Brits and Barisan...pathetic.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mahsuri Sighs · Reply

  • Mahathir has a right to attend but he should set things right at the Congress. Tell them this is not the way to protect Malay dignity. Tell them to educate themselves well, work hard and work smart, have integrity, dont be racists work with ther races and they will redeem all their dignity. No need to shout and scream that their dignity is robbed by the non Malays.

    Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

    • They must get rid of their laziness gene as a rule of thumb. No previledges because these are the root to all laziness and incompetency.

      Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • Wish you bring them dignity!!!

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • you are a malay leader, should re join umno wt all your cronies. pls move on. stop the drama. go on and start a malay govt. which you can head.

    Posted 4 years ago by . . · Reply

  • A right to attend?

    Aw. come on, Mahathir...who r u kidding??

    You are only interested in this drama, to solidify your position and grip. You are not interested in the PH manifesto, or delivering its promises. 1 year on - and what have you got to show in your report card?
    U-turns, increased extremism, unfulfilled promises, unresolved cost of living ...

    I said it again, and will say it once more:- You want Malaysia Baru? Then Malaysia Sekarang has to rid itself of the shackles of Mahatirism.

    Posted 4 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • Bersatu needs to be taught a firm lesson at Tanjung Piai. MCA needs to give them a good drubbing. That will be a fitting end to the 94-year old's political career.

    Posted 4 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply