Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has initiated a fresh drive to consolidate the Malay community through a new movement established in collaboration with leaders from Bersatu and PAS. The initiative, described as a non-political platform, aims to address the various challenges confronting the Malays today, with a core focus on restoring their position and influence in national affairs.
The movement, unofficially dubbed the "big umbrella" or payung besar, is seen as a unifying structure intended to bring together all Malay-based entities and individuals under one banner. During a press briefing held at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, Dr Mahathir expressed concern over the fragmented state of Malay politics and society, suggesting that meaningful solutions to the community's problems can only be found if Malays are united and hold governmental power.
Mahathir emphasized that the initiative did not stem from personal or political ambition but rather from the need to collectively confront the economic, cultural, and social issues affecting the Malay population. According to him, language erosion, weakening of Malay rights, and growing disparities were some of the pressing matters prompting this new campaign.
In a symbolic show of solidarity, several key leaders were in attendance during the announcement, including Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, his deputy Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, vice president Radzi Jidin, and PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. Their presence underscored a rare alignment among parties that had previously experienced tensions and separations in the political arena.
Dr Mahathir extended an invitation to UMNO members as well, expressing hope that they would join the cause in the interest of ethnic unity. He maintained that political divisions have historically weakened the Malay community's ability to defend its interests and play a decisive role in governance.
According to him, a return to Malay political dominance is viewed as essential to overcoming community setbacks. The movement is expected to function more as a consultative and unifying body rather than a formal political coalition—at least in its initial stages.
Although the announcement has stirred debate regarding its true intentions, especially in light of Mahathir's past political maneuvers, the former prime minister insists the goal is singular: to rally the Malays toward unity before division leads to further decline.
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