As the Malay Muslim Unity movement prepares for its official launch on May 24, 2025—an initiative supported by Perkasa and several other NGOs aiming to strengthen unity among Malays—former minister Zaid Ibrahim has proposed a broader, more inclusive vision for Malaysia’s future.
Weighing in on the movement, Zaid emphasized the importance of electoral unity among Malays, drawing comparisons to the voting patterns of Chinese communities in Malaysia. Rather than rallying around any movement simply for ethnic solidarity, he encouraged Malays to support credible Malay-led political parties capable of forming a government that upholds justice for all races.
In a series of firm recommendations, Zaid outlined key national priorities. At the top of his list was safeguarding Petronas as a national institution, insisting it must remain the central authority over Malaysia’s oil and gas resources. He also objected to Sarawak’s claim as the sole aggregator for its regional energy sector, warning against fragmentation that could weaken national cohesion.
Another significant concern raised was the rising discourse around secession from Sabah and Sarawak politicians. Zaid argued that such sentiments must be countered with a clear national strategy focused on unity and shared interest, not regionalism.
Beyond economic control and national unity, he pressed for a reformation of critical institutions led by Malays, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Attorney General’s Chambers. According to Zaid, these institutions should no longer function as political instruments and must instead serve the people with impartiality and accountability.
He also proposed that the powers of the Prime Minister be scaled back to ensure a more balanced governance structure, reflecting the public's needs over political dominance.
Earlier in March, Zaid had also taken issue with Perkasa’s boycott of Petronas for awarding a contract to a non-Bumiputera firm. Instead, he suggested that real focus should be placed on enhancing competitiveness among Malays themselves. He argued that companies like Solarvest were awarded contracts based on merit, and the real challenge lies in building stronger economic players within the Malay community, rather than protesting outcomes rooted in fair competition.
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