KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) needs to work hard to regain a two-third majority in the upcoming general election and prevent once and for all the threat of Malay disunity, stressed former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said BN was also responsible for defending its position for the sake of the country’s future.
He added that it was important for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to decide wisely by placing winnable candidates in a given area so that people will vote for BN.
He was speaking to reporters after delivering the keynote address at a forum titled ‘The Federal Constitution and the Future of National Security’ at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Training Institute, Saturday.
“This is the meaning of a coalition. BN is a coalition, unlike Pakatan Rakyat. They’re not a coalition. PAS and DAP are pulling in opposite directions. And Datuk Seri Anwar purportedly wants to be PM,” he said.
He said a number of Umno leaders have strayed from the original path of the party, which was to uphold Malay rights, adding,” Now some politicians fight to come into power and maintain it, even willing to sabotage one another.”
Asked if the Malays have lost their power, Dr Mahathir said,” The Malays have lost power because they’re not united. In any democracy, the largest number controls the situation. But when they have conflicts and fight among themselves, how can you command power.”
Asked if BN needed to win a two-third majority, among others to amend the Federal Constitution, he said such a win was critical for that purpose.
“Without a two-third win the government will be weak and it will face pressure from the opposition parties,” he explained.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Mahathir advised Malaysians to think carefully before making a decision in determining the country’s future and not just be carried away by their emotions.
“I hope people realise and give it careful thought, and not be influenced only by their emotions. Thinking and planning carefully will ensure the country’s future,” he said.
If the people want to be respected, they must always make intelligent choices and not be easily swayed by negative influences, so that nation building can progress smoothly, he added.
He concluded that it was the duty of all Malaysians to protect the Federal Constitution always. — BERNAMA