Political power must stay with the Malays, says Mat Taib

SHAH ALAM: Political power in the country must always remain in the hands of the Malays without denying the rights of other races, said former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib.

Muhammad, who is better known as Mat Taib, said should the Malays lose their political power, their future and especially those in the rural areas would no longer be protected.

“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 at his first news conference today at his house two weeks after quitting PKR to rejoin Umno.

Describing the present political situation in the country as “desperate”, Mat Taib said it was not a pretext to “burn down the house”.

Mat Taib, who served as Selangor menteri besar for 11 years, left Umno to join PAS in 2011, then left the Islamist party to join PKR in 2013.

His return to Umno was announced in a much-hyped press conference held by party president and prime minister Najib Razak on Sept 17.

Muhammad Muhammad Taib (kiri) speaking at his press conference yesterday, with Foundation for the Eradication of Poverty chairman Zainal Abidin Sakom.

Goose that lays the golden egg

Mat Taib advised Malays to control their anger lest they chose a vehicle for their struggle that led them to “kill the goose that lays the golden egg”, which was Umno.

“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, since we live in a multiracial and multi-religious society, we must allow the best from the Chinese and Indian communities to hold high positions.

“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 said.

Referring to Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamd’s criticisms of him for jumping back to Umno, Mat Taib said that showed the former premier’s true colours.

“When we sat on the same stage, he praised me. What it means is that all those beside him are angels but all who opposed him are enemies.

“But I don’t want to oppose him. He appointed me as Selangor menteri besar, but today I have to leave Dr Mahathir. Instead, I choose to defend the Malays.”

-FMT NEWS-