New 'Malay secretariat' formed to consolidate Malay unity, says Dr Mahathir
He described that the existence of too many separate groups claiming to fight for Malay unity has instead led to division and undermined the cause.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
PUTRAJAYA – A movement called the Malay Secretariat ( Sekretariat Orang Melayu ) has been established to unite all parties advocating for the rights and future of the Malay community under one broad umbrella.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the initiative is a step towards restoring political power and addressing challenges faced by Malays. Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaking at the 30th edition of the Nikkei International Forum held in Tokyo, Japan.
'We have agreed to form a movement known as the umbrella body or the Malay Secretariat. It is not a political party, but rather an effort to unite all groups that advocate for the Malays into a single collective,' he said at a press conference here on Wednesday.
He described that the existence of too many separate groups claiming to fight for Malay unity has instead led to division and undermined the cause.
'If many people form their own groups, we won't become one...we'll become three or four.
"This weakens the Malays. We know that if we are divided, we will fail. We can only succeed if we are united in one movement,' he said.
The secretariat is open and non-partisan, allowing any Malay individual, including members of other political parties, to join, provided they agree with the mission to defend and uphold the position of the Malays.
'I'm not inviting Umno, I'm inviting the Malays. If they agree with this initiative, we welcome them.
"This isn't about political parties, it's about the Malay race, which is now facing numerous challenges,' he said.
Dr Mahathir held a discussion on the formation of the secretariat with several leaders, including Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
Dr Mahathir also criticised the government, claiming it restricted the freedom to discuss issues concerning Malays, including the national language, the economy and the ownership of strategic national assets.
'Today, we find that constitutional principles are being sidelined. The Malay language is no longer treated as the true national language and the position of the Malays is no longer protected as it once was. In fact, we are no longer allowed to talk about Malay issues, religion and the royals,' he said.
Dr Mahathir announced that Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin will lead the initial efforts to mobilise the secretariat alongside others, with the goal of forming a more structured front for Malay unity.
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