Former Prime Minister Raises Concerns Over Bumiputera Land Ownership
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has reignited discussions about land ownership and poverty among the Malay population, using Singapore as an example to underscore his concerns. Speaking at a rally organised by the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition on Saturday (Oct 15), the 97-year-old warned that if Malays sell their land due to financial hardship, they risk losing it permanently, similar to how Singapore became an independent nation.
“Singapore used to be part of Johor, but it is now an independent country,” he said, as reported by Sin Chew Daily. “We’ve already lost Singapore. If we don’t protect our interests and address poverty, we could face a similar fate.”
Repeating Past Criticisms
This is not the first time Mahathir has linked Singapore’s independence to land sales by Malays. In October 2021, he criticised Malaysia’s current administration, claiming the country had “sold Singapore.” He repeated these sentiments in June 2022, suggesting that Singapore, historically part of Johor, should return to Malaysia.
Mahathir also lamented that bumiputera ownership in Malaysia is declining, as financial struggles compel Malays to sell their land, further eroding their economic position.
Targeting Young Voters
During the rally, Mahathir outlined the GTA coalition’s strategy to engage young and first-time voters, emphasising their commitment to the “original struggle” of Bersatu, the political party he co-founded in 2016 after leaving UMNO. He reiterated his plans to defend his Langkawi parliamentary seat in the upcoming election.
Political Landscape in Flux
The rally took place shortly after Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolved parliament, paving the way for a general election. This decision followed the unveiling of Malaysia’s largest national budget to date. Prime Minister Ismail urged voters to support the Barisan Nasional coalition if they wish to see the budget implemented.
Mahathir’s comments reflect ongoing debates about land ownership, poverty, and national identity in Malaysia, as the country prepares for another round of political change.
