Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, in a recent acknowledgment, highlighted the significant role of the country’s ethnic Chinese in fostering economic growth over the years. He commended their robust business acumen, which continues to drive Malaysia forward.
Dr. Mahathir, who recently celebrated his 98th birthday, voiced his admiration for the creative business ideas and capabilities of Chinese Malaysians. He was particularly impressed during a visit to one of Kuala Lumpur’s latest and most advanced shopping complexes, which he dubbed as a “fantastic development”, surpassing counterparts in London, Tokyo, or Seoul.
Despite this recognition, he contrasted the economic prowess of Chinese Malaysians with the Malays, stating they lack the financial resources and innovative ideas to achieve such feats. This observation, he stressed, doesn’t lessen the Malays’ historical and political significance in their homeland.
Dr. Mahathir, who authored Malay Proclamation, asserted that the burgeoning economic and political power of Chinese Malaysians mustn’t overshadow the rights and history of the Malays. He encouraged the harmonious coexistence of the diverse ethnic groups, urging them to respect and share in the country’s prosperity.
Historically, Malays have been the political frontrunners, creating a sense of balance with the economically driven Chinese Malaysians. But Dr. Mahathir expressed concern over the growing political influence of Chinese Malaysians, which could jeopardize this balance, leaving the Malays to reclaim their diminishing political dominance.
While acknowledging some Malays’ success, he insisted their numbers were far too few. He maintained that Malaysia remains a Malay country, despite its growing multiethnicity, and highlighted the Malays’ generosity in granting citizenship to Chinese and Indian immigrants.
Recently, Dr. Mahathir’s comments have sparked debates, especially his claims that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration is unduly influenced by the Chinese-dominated DAP. The narrative he pushes, of Malays being under siege in their homeland, has been widely scrutinized, and his interpretation of the Federal Constitution criticized.
As an influential figure, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad continues to shape the discourse on ethnic and political dynamics in Malaysia. His insights, based on an article from malaymail.com, remain vital in the ongoing discussions about Malaysia’s growth and multiethnic coexistence.
