UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has pushed back against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent assertion that the Malay community is facing a steep political and economic decline. Instead, Khaled maintained that Malay rights remain firmly protected under Malaysia’s Federal Constitution and the stewardship of the monarchy.
In a recent interview, Khaled reassured the Malay population that there is no looming threat to their position or entitlements. He pointed out that these rights have long been constitutionally enshrined and continue to be safeguarded by the country's royal institution. The comment came in response to Dr Mahathir’s recent formation of a new alliance, which the former prime minister described as a non-political coalition aimed at restoring Malay dominance in the government.
Dr Mahathir’s initiative, which involves PAS and Bersatu, was described as a platform to unite Malays and address what he perceives as their diminishing influence in politics and economics. While Mahathir did not seek to bring UMNO into the alliance in an official capacity, he expressed openness to individual UMNO members joining if they shared his views.
Khaled, however, viewed these moves with skepticism. He suggested that Mahathir’s narrative played too heavily on fear and sentiment. According to him, the real challenge for the Malays lies not in external pressures, but in outdated mindsets propagated by some leaders within the community. He expressed concern that relying on emotional rhetoric, especially in pursuit of political power, would not resonate with modern Malaysians—particularly the younger generations.
Highlighting the rise of a more informed and discerning electorate, Khaled noted that Malays from generations X through Alpha are increasingly rational, educated, and less likely to be swayed by nostalgic or emotionally driven political appeals. He urged leaders to engage in value-driven, constructive politics focused on empowering Malays through education, skills, and competitiveness, rather than playing into narratives of victimhood or decline.
In Khaled’s view, rational and progressive leadership is the key to uplifting the Malay community—not forming coalitions based on perceived crises or historical grievances.
Information Source: FMT
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