DR Mahathir Mohamad’s attendance and speech at Sunday’s Malay Dignity Congress raised a few eyebrows and a fair bit of controversy.

For Pakatan Harapan’s Malay ground, it was a win. It even overshadowed the PAS-Umno unity gathering, despite the event last month boasting far more participants. Besides the controversial opening address by Professor Emeritus Dr Zainal Kling, chief executive of the congress’ secretariat, much of the attention went to the prime minister’s speech.

By most standards, it was a tame one, considering the nature of the congress. Only the PM could unleash harsh criticism against Malays at an event held in the name of Malay dignity and walk away relatively unscathed. And, only the PM’s presence would ensure the attendance of big names from all the major Malay parties.

The message was clear and simple: Dr Mahathir is still in charge, and the stage remains his for now. He commands the loyalty of his administration, and begrudgingly, some of his detractors, too.

Whether out of respect for the man or fear of the government withholding development funds, or rueful of Anwar Ibrahim’s eventual rise to the office of the prime minister, Umno and PAS showed up at the congress because of political necessity more than anything else.

If there had been doubts on whether Dr Mahathir has the numbers, at least in terms of Malay support in Parliament, and rumours of crossovers to destabilise the administration, they should be put to rest by now. Despite their newfound sense of purpose and roaring bravado, PAS and Umno continue to be wary of the PM’s influence, and have yet to be certain of grassroots’ backing. Anecdotal evidence of support for the Malay-Muslim parties aside, they have not been tested as an electoral pact.

Will there be a return of Malay support to PH from Barisan Nasional? Time will tell. We will also find out if the non-Malay ground has been impacted by the nationalist slant taken by some Malay PH leaders recently.

Dr Mahathir was – as he said himself – well within his rights to attend the congress, given that he is a Malay leader. But, he is also the leader of Malaysia.

His presence at the event sent two signals. One, that it is OK to play up racial and religious sentiments by way of public gatherings, even those co-organised by public university academics and students. Two, and perhaps more dangerously, that the government agrees with the opposition’s narrative that Malays are under siege and their dignity is at risk.

Although his speech was quite different from that of other speakers, sharing the stage with those who once compared Bersih to communist tactics or denied Malaysia was ever occupied could send the wrong message to PH leaders and allies, and especially urban, middle-ground Malaysians, who came out in force to vote in the pact last year.

It is not easy to change the direction of the country’s political discourse. One wrong step could derail much of the effort to shift the conversation to one that is based on ideology from a dialogue rooted in communal sentiments.

Focus should remain on the economy, and every opportunity to improve it must be seized. For example, helping youth dependent on the gig economy secure jobs that are more sustainable and entrepreneurial, developing public transport, and creating high-skilled jobs and an industry catered to training people for such positions.

With a healthier economy to steer, hopefully, we can remove the feet now firmly planted on the race-religion pedal. – October 9, 2019.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.