Help build Malaysia instead of trying to tear it apart, Loke tells Mahathir

BUTTERWORTH: The present unity government is a first for Malaysia and the last thing it needs is someone harping on racial misgivings, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.

Commenting on two-time prime minister and ex-Pejuang chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's recent claims about Malays losing political and economic power and casting doubts on Anwar's capability to lead the country, Loke said Pakatan Harapan was disappointed by his narrative.

"What he is saying and doing now is regretted by all.

"It is not aligned with his position as a statesman, who is supposed to unite the people.

"His statements are being perceived as causing disunity among the multiracial population of the country," he said at the Penang DAP convention at Butterworth Arena here on Sunday (March 19).

"We hope he can play his role more constructively, rather than issue statements that not only do not help but also fan racial sentiments, which is bad for our country.

"If indeed he loves this country, he is supposed to use his influence to help it and attract more investments and interests to develop it.

"There is no reality to his claims. Our Prime Minister and most leaders are still Malays," he added.

On Saturday (March 18), Dr Mahathir and other groups tried to hold an event dubbed "Proklamasi Orang Melayu" at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Kiara Convention Centre, only to be told 24 hours beforehand that the venue owner would not accept the reservation.

Dr Mahathir, 97, lost his Langkawi parliamentary seat and deposit in the recent general election, left Pejuang - which is now leaning towards Perikatan Nasional - and joined Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra).