KOTA SAMARAHAN: A call by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad urging Malay voters to support only Malay candidates in the coming general election has been described as an irresponsible statement.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Peninsular Malaysia’s political landscape differs significantly from Sarawak’s, whether in terms of party structure, leadership, or how support among members is drawn.
He said such a suggestion should not come from a leader who is respected and regarded as a statesman, such as Dr Mahathir.
Dr Mahathir had on Jun 30 published an open letter titled “Surat Terbuka kepada Pemimpin Parti, Penyokong serta Kesemua Pengundi Melayu” (Open Letter to Party Leaders, Supporters and All Malay Voters), in which he argued that Malay voters in the upcoming general election face a critical choice — whether Tanah Melayu (Malay Land) remains Malay-held or falls into non-Malay hands.
He said Malay voters should back Malay candidates regardless of party or NGO affiliation, adding that Malay loyalty should lie with the Malay race rather than any political party or faction, warning that failure to do so risked the loss of Tanah Melayu and, with it, the Malay nation itself.
“When Tun Mahathir recently said in a Facebook posting that if Malays vote, they should not vote for non-Malay candidates and should only vote for Malay candidates instead — if everyone calculates their vote the way he has suggested, I feel it is not a good suggestion, especially coming from someone we regard as a statesman,” Abdul Karim said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival (SFCF) 2026, organised by the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), here, Monday night (Jul 6).
Abdul Karim said Dr Mahathir, as a former prime minister, should instead serve as a reference point and play a role in unifying the people.
“In Malaysia, we have Malays, Chinese, Indians, Dayaks and various other races.
“If Malays only vote for Malays, Chinese vote for Chinese and Indians vote for Indians, how do we unite the people? That situation will only further fracture unity,” he said.
He said such a suggestion was irresponsible, particularly given it came from a leader regarded as a statesman who had governed the country for 22 years.
Abdul Karim said he would not be surprised if such a statement came from an ordinary member of the public.
“If it came from an ordinary person sitting at a mamak stall saying Malays should vote for Malays, Chinese should vote for Chinese, I would not be surprised. But when someone has reached the level of a former prime minister, it is not good,” he said.
“Because we are supposed to see him as a statesman, a place for young people and new leaders to seek views and guidance. If there is a problem and we want to find a solution, we go and meet those who have experience,” he said.
“I hope Tun Mahathir can remain at that level. If possible, please don’t lower yourself to the lowest level over an issue like this,” he added.
