Tun Dr Mahathir Muhammad has dropped the bomb to quit the fledgling political coalition that he founded, Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA), to focus on the Malay proclamation, an initiative to unite the Malay community.
According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Tun Mahathir stated his political participation might deter the Malays from other political parties, especially parties in the unity government, from supporting the proclamation.
Tun Mahathir stated that any Malay politicians, whether they are members of UMNO, PKR, Amanah, or even DAP, can sign the proclamation if they stand for it.
However, the question remains: Was the Malay Proclamation worth the effort?
According to Malay Mail, the Malaysia Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) stated that the proclamation was just another of Mahathir's political stunts.
MAPIM president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid had said that the Malay proclamation is a recycle of the Malay resolution movement similar to other Malay resolutions like the Malay Dignity Congress or the Malay Economics Resolution
"The messages of the resolution were always constant: the weakening of the Malays due to domination of other races or the Malay's weak economy, with the mission to unite the Malays.", says Azmi.
"Malays are weakening. Other races dominate them, and their economy is in a horrible state, and they have to be reunited (is the message of the proclamation). Is there anything inspiring about it, just old narratives regurgitated." added Azmi
While Tun Mahathir keep repeating the mantra of "Malays will lose everything if those championing Malay interests are not united", he also does not deny his return to politics if there is high support for the "Malay Proclamation".
FMT also reported that Tun Mahathir's current priorities are to gather more support for the proclamation.
Thus, the question remains, is the proclamation simply a test study for Tun M's power, or is it a movement that can improve the underprivileged Malays?
The MAPIM president said the movement was just another ploy for the former Prime Minister to gather support after losing much political influence.
According to Azmi, rather than focus on the proclamation, the Malays should demand the betterment of actions taken and the executions of the policies of a much more effective improvement of the socio-economy.
"Aside from Penang, the other states are governed by Malay chief ministers. Even in the federal government, the Cabinet is filled with Malay leaders. So what is he talking about?" says Azmi in Malay Mail.
Sinar Harian reported over 100000 manual copies of the forms had been distributed all over Malaysia except for Sarawak.
The Malay Proclamation has received support from several opposition party leaders, such as PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and has garnered 20000 signatures online.
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