Malay politics at a critical crossroads – Tun M

SHAH ALAM – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described Malay politics as being at its most critical point, with the Malays facing a major dilemma in choosing between two options that he said each carry their own risks and implications.

He said one option was seen as potentially sidelining religion, race and the philosophy of the homeland as Tanah Melayu, while the other was regarded as seemingly legitimising wrongdoing.

He said the situation could be likened to the Malay proverb “ditelan mati emak, diluah mati bapak” (a tight spot where any choice leads to a bad outcome).

“However, we do not have much time to consider which option is best or to look for other, more suitable solutions.

“So, we have to make a decision based on the option that causes less harm.

“We can already see which is more harmful. The other still offers hope of bringing about change and if necessary, fighting it from within or forming a new struggle after ensuring our own survival,” he said.

He said this in a speech text read out by Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) information chief Rafique Rashid Ali at the Pejuang 2026 General Assembly at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam on Sunday.

Dr Mahathir said political manoeuvring and shifts in political alignment were nothing unusual in politics.

However, he said, a change in the goals of a struggle was something that needed attention, as a party’s principles formed the basis of its supporters’ confidence.

“Principles are important because they give supporters confidence that the goals being fought for are founded on clear values and principles.

“In politics, there are no permanent friends. Only goals are permanent. However, in compromising to achieve those goals, it must be remembered that the end should not justify all means,” he said.