7-6-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced on Tuesday (Jun 6) that he will not be participating in the upcoming state elections, citing his advanced age and senility. The 97-year-old made this statement during a press conference following a closed-door meeting on the roundtable negotiations of the Malay Proclamation, a document he authored to safeguard the interests and unite the Malay community.
Dr Mahathir expressed his bewilderment at being questioned about retirement upon his return to Malaysia, despite being invited by overseas organizations to speak on global matters. He mentioned receiving invitations from Japan and South Korea. The state elections in Malaysia are scheduled to take place in Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Selangor, and Terengganu, likely occurring in August.
Additionally, Dr Mahathir stated that he plans to meet with Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin to discuss potential collaboration. He noted that Muhyiddin supports the Malay Proclamation and assured that there is no animosity between them. The nature and duration of their cooperation will be deliberated during the meeting.
Dr Mahathir emphasized the importance of addressing the issues faced by the Malays and stated that leaders present at the meeting, including PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) president Mukhriz Mahathir (Dr Mahathir’s son), agreed to this objective. He clarified that their movement is not anti-non-Malays and that the rights of all citizens will be considered in future endeavors.
The unity of Malays in the country was highlighted by Dr Mahathir as crucial, irrespective of the state elections, as disunity would weaken their position. He also revealed that parties endorsing the Malay Proclamation have pledged not to compete against each other in the polls and are exploring the possibility of joint participation.
Last week, Dr Mahathir expressed his willingness to collaborate with Muhyiddin if they can reach a consensus on common goals, including championing the Malay cause and opposing corruption and criminal misconduct. Reflecting on the current fragmented state of Malay parties and their loss of power, Dr Mahathir emphasized the need for unity to rectify issues that negatively impact Malays.
During the 15th General Election last year, Dr Mahathir led the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition but failed to secure his Langkawi seat, marking his first electoral defeat in 53 years. He finished fourth in a five-cornered fight, ultimately won by PN’s Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah, resulting in the loss of his deposit.
