'Tanah Melayu no longer ours?' – Mahathir's post sparks racial land ownership debate
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 Text Size: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has reignited a fiery national debate on race, land ownership, and the meaning of independence after posting a provocative statement today claiming that the Malay community is losing its ancestral land across the Malay Peninsula. In a 12-point Facebook post titled 'Tanah Melayu', Dr. Mahathir painted a grim picture of what he sees as the systematic erosion of Malay territorial dominance, referencing historical losses of Pattani, Riau and Singapore, warning that even what remains of the Peninsula 'from Perlis to Johor' is being sold off to non-Malays. 'The process of Malays selling land will continue,' Mahathir wrote. 'Eventually, Malays will be pushed to the edge of the forests.' He further questioned the value of Malaysia's independence if the land is no longer 'owned' by Malays: 'What is the meaning of Merdeka if the country is owned by others?' The post, while echoing long-standing ethno-nationalist sentiments, drew swift backlash online. Critics accused the 99-year-old statesman of stoking racial division, especially in a time when Malaysia is grappling with economic inequality, housing issues, and rising cost of living - challenges that cut across all racial lines. Others, however, defended his remarks, arguing that he is voicing a legitimate concern about the economic marginalisation of Malays in their own homeland. The former prime minister has previously faced criticism for invoking 'Malay rights' in political discourse, particularly during periods of political instability or before elections. Whether intended as a call to awareness or a political rallying cry, Mahathir's statement has once again spotlighted the deep undercurrents of race, land, and identity in Malaysian politics — unresolved issues that continue to stir the nation's conscience. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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