Dr M: Malays now have to beg to remain in power

Dr Mahathir talking to reporters after delivering his speech at the convention

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malays who had introduced the concept of power sharing with the other races could end up being the weakest, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In this regard, the former prime minister urged the community to learn from past mistakes and not be complacent to ensure they do not lose political power in the future.

He warned that the community could be left behind despite the country achieving the high income nation status.

"Although we comprise 60% of the population, making us the majority, we are still divided into three political parties.

"Since we are split into three groups, we cannot hold a strong majority government.

"In order to enjoy majority support, Malay political parties are forced to beg for support from the non-Malays, especially the Chinese.

"Just to win elections, be it Umno, PAS or PKR, they need to beg from DAP just to win votes," he said at the Nusantara National Youth leadership convention on Saturday.

"When we are beggars, we cannot be powerful. Beggars do not have political power," he said.

He urged the Malays to adhere to and follow Islamic principles in order to change the fate of the community.