Latest news with #PoliticalStability
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
I've no issue with Dr M's Malay umbrella body, says Ramasamy
Urimai chairman P Ramasamy said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's call for Malay unity reflects growing concerns over the country's unstable political and economic conditions. PETALING JAYA : Former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy says there is nothing inherently wrong with Dr Mahathir Mohamad's plan to form a new umbrella organisation to protect and advance Malay rights, as long as it does not come at the expense of other ethnic communities. The Urimai chairman said the former prime minister's proposal would only become 'problematic' if such advocacy infringes upon the rights of other ethnic communities, such as the Chinese, Indians, and others. Noting that non-Malays make up 40% of the population in Peninsula Malaysia, he said it must be acknowledged that they also experience a 'deep sense of deprivation'. 'So far, there appears to be no fundamental quarrel with Mahathir's initiative, provided it respects the multicultural fabric of the nation,' Ramasamy said in a statement. 'They (non-Muslims) are not against Malays seeking their legitimate rights, as long as this does not translate into their own marginalisation.' He also suggested that Mahathir's call for Malay unity reflects growing concerns over the country's unstable political and economic conditions. However, Ramasamy said the struggle for rights in Malaysia must not be 'ethnically siloed'. 'Instead, it should be a common, inclusive quest for all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, toward social, economic, and political justice.' He added that establishing a Malay-centric umbrella initiative should not be viewed as the end goal, but rather, an opportunity to imagine new, equitable frameworks for managing race relations in the country. Ramasamy was responding to a call by Mahathir for Malays to join his new unity alliance, which the latter said was aimed at saving the community from what he described as their political and economic decline. Mahathir said the group, which includes PAS and Bersatu, is not a political party but a coalition aimed at 'restoring Malay power' in the government.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Why fear Dr M's call for Malay unity, asks Indian PN component
MIPP president SP Punithan said Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposal is not aimed at dividing the races in the country. PETALING JAYA : An Indian-based Perikatan Nasional component party is in favour of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposed 'big umbrella' to rally the Malays, saying it is a foundation of stability and will not divide races in the country. Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) president SP Punithan said the proposal is not a rejection of diversity or democracy, but acknowledges the political fragmentation of 'two of Malaysia's three major racial communities'. 'Why fear unity? Unity is not a threat. It is the foundation of political stability. 'Such fragmentation serves neither the nation nor the communities themselves. It breeds instability, unpredictability, and weak representation,' he said in a statement today. Punithan said Malaysia was forged through consensus and mutual understanding and not bloodshed and war. 'Its enduring strength resides in its unique fabric of unity, with Malays forming the majority. 'For any multiracial nation to achieve peace and prosperity, unity within its majority community is essential,' he said. On Wednesday, Mahathir said he will invite Umno members to join his new Malay unity alliance in an effort to 'restore Malay power' in the government. He said the alliance, which includes PAS and Bersatu, aims to save the community from what he called its political and economic decline. Punithan said MIPP's responsibility was to unite Malaysian Indians under a single political platform and not to oppose others. 'MIPP's mission is not about division. It is about forging a stronger Malaysia through a stronger and united Indian voice,' he said. He also said political stability 'cannot arise from perpetual horse-trading or shifting alliances driven solely by power struggles'. 'It must emerge from clear mandates, trusted leadership and the coherent representation of each community within a balanced coalition,' he said.
