No Other Race In The Country Must Be Allowed To Control Political Power, Says Mat Taib
"The Malays possess only one treasure, and that is political power."
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 03 Oct 2017, 12:16 PM
Former Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Muhammad bin Haji Muhammad Taib wants political power in the country to remain within the Malay community
Tan Sri Muhammad bin Haji Muhammad Taib at the press conference yesterday, 2 October.
Image via Miera Zulyana/Malay Mail Online"For me, no other race in the country must be allowed to control political power. The Malays possess only one treasure, and that is political power.
"The Malays are still unable to acquire economic power," he said during a press conference at his house yesterday, 2 October, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.
He did mention that this should not be at the expense of the rights of other races.
"I am not a racist but we should make our choice to ensure the security of our children and their children. What other political vehicle can safeguard the Malays apart from UMNO?"
However, realising that Malaysia is a multiracial and multi-religious society, Taib said that the crème de la crème of the Chinese and Indian communities must be allowed to hold top, important positions in the country.
"The Chinese can be allowed to control the economy, and the Indians lead in the professions. But the political vehicle must be controlled by the Malays," he explained.
Fondly known as Mat Taib, the 72-year-old politician, is under the opinion that if the Malays in the country lose their political power, their future would no longer be protected.
Mat Taib was the 11th Menteri Besar of Selangor and held the post for 11 years, from 1986 until 1997.
In April 2013, he joined the opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) and two years later he jumped over to People's Justice Party (PKR).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tan Sri Muhammad bin Haji Muhammad Taib at the press conference last month.
Image via Bernama/Straits TimesOn 17 September 2017, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced that Mat Taib will be rejoining UMNO.
"He realises that the struggles of the opposition parties, especially PKR, are a waste," said Najib, when making the announcement.
Meanwhile, Taib explained that his intentions are actually to reach out to the Malay community and champion their rights from UMNO as the Malay agenda is not prioritised in the opposition coalition.