Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin has distanced himself from a controversial statement he made over a decade ago, asserting that he is no longer defined by his 2010 declaration of being "a Malay first." Speaking at a Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) event in Shah Alam, the former prime minister clarified that while he identifies as a Malay Malaysian, his role as a national leader goes beyond race.
“I am a Malay who cares for all Malaysians,” Muhyiddin said, noting that the 2010 remark had lost relevance in today’s context. He stressed that his responsibility as a leader is to serve the entire population, including Chinese, Indian, and other communities, not just the Malays. “I have never thought of myself as only Malay,” he added, highlighting the need for inclusivity.
The original “Malay first” comment was made in response to a challenge by DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, who had asked Muhyiddin to declare whether he identified more as a Malay or a Malaysian. At the time, Muhyiddin, serving as deputy prime minister under Najib Razak, stated he was a Malay first, which drew criticism from opposition parties and cast doubts on the sincerity of the government’s 1Malaysia unity campaign.
Since then, Malaysia’s political landscape has shifted significantly. Muhyiddin was sacked from Umno in 2016 and later co-founded Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu). He returned to power in 2020, forming a coalition government with support from Barisan Nasional and PAS.
At the MIPP’s “Indian Unity” gathering, Muhyiddin addressed concerns from members of the Indian community who felt politically unrepresented. He said he was surprised by their sentiment, finding it unusual that any Malaysian should feel without a voice in the nation’s leadership.
Muhyiddin’s remarks appear to be part of a broader effort to position himself and PN as inclusive and multiracial, despite previous criticisms of racial and religious overtones in their rhetoric. By acknowledging and embracing Malaysia’s diversity, he may be aiming to broaden his coalition’s appeal ahead of future political contests.
The shift in tone suggests that Muhyiddin is seeking to move beyond his past image and recalibrate his stance in a political environment where unity and representation across all communities remain central issues.
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