Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has issued a stark warning to the Malay community, arguing that the country’s largest ethnic group is drifting toward a future where it may no longer control its own land or political direction. In a lengthy reflection on his personal blog, he outlined what he described as a mounting crisis tied to declining land ownership, low voter turnout, and persistent political disunity.
Mahathir claimed that half of Peninsular Malaysia has already shifted away from Malay hands, pointing out that major urban regions—which once were heavily Malay—are now dominated by other groups. As towns expand outward, former Malay-owned suburbs have also changed ownership, largely through voluntary sale. He added that large plantations, estates, mines, luxury housing areas, industrial zones and even most of Penang Island have transitioned away from Malay control.
He argued that this shift carries direct electoral consequences. As land ownership diminishes, so too does the number of Malay-majority constituencies. He stressed that the situation worsens when Malays choose to abstain from voting, further weakening their political influence.
Mahathir also warned that internal divisions among Malays are preventing any single party from securing enough support to form a stable government. However, he insisted that unity remains achievable if Malays rally behind a single candidate in each constituency, saying such alignment would dramatically strengthen electoral outcomes—especially if turnout improves.
He proposed a “big umbrella” approach, urging Malays to temporarily set aside party and NGO loyalties and unite under a collective identity to protect Malay interests and reclaim economic ground.
Despite the problems he highlighted, Mahathir argued that Malays have demonstrated their ability to build and sustain powerful institutions. He cited Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and its multi-billion ringgit assets—evidenced by the construction of the towering Merdeka 118—as proof that Malays can consolidate economic strength. He also pointed to national funds such as Bank Negara’s reserves of USD120 billion, the EPF’s near-trillion-ringgit holdings, and the vast pools controlled by KWAP and Tabung Haji.
To prevent further erosion of Malay-owned land, Mahathir suggested freezing land sales except to major national funds, while still allowing development through leasing and rental mechanisms.
But he emphasised that long-term stability cannot be achieved without addressing Malay poverty. According to him, Malays must move beyond wage dependence, embrace entrepreneurship, and take ownership of Malaysia’s natural assets—land, rivers, seas, and favourable climate—which he believes others are benefiting from more than the Malays themselves.
He concluded by stressing that mindsets must change, arguing that Malays must be willing to endure hardship and discipline if they hope to secure lasting prosperity.
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