Dr Mahathir Mohamad is concerned that the Malays are now tempting fate by rejecting the efforts to elevate the community, such as the New Economic Policy (NEP).

The former premier also believes that history would judge the country's leadership for pursuing the policy.

Mahathir had mentioned this in the foreword penned for the book titled #Wahai Melayu , which he is slated to launch this afternoon.

The book is authored by businessman Anas Zubedy, with the theme centred around the phrase that "Allah will not change the fate of Malays, if they do not wish to change themselves."

Mahathir noted that the phrase underpins the struggle of the Malay community in ensuring their continued existence in a globalised era.

"Without any flippant attempt to dismiss the power of prayers and divine intervention, the fate of Malays in Malaysia and their continued existence, is not merely a matter of chance but in most instances, by choice," he said.

Mahathir, who retired in 2003, noted how some in the community have denounced efforts like the NEP, "amidst the visible successes achieved by the Malays".

"There are numerous justifications given for the rejection, ranging from it being ineffective, only benefitting the elites to the policies," he said.

Affirmative action

Delving into history, he said the affirmative action blueprint, without doubt, reaffirmed the need for the Malay-led government to take liberty at helping shape the fate of the Malays and not leaving it merely to divine pleasure.  

 

"It is not an attempt by the Malay leadership to tempt fate and neither was it 'playing God' but rather a responsibility that stems from the realisation that Allah would not change the fate of the Malays unless they try to change it themselves," he added.

Mahathir also pointed out that it was not an attempt to undermine other races or to strip them of what is theirs.

"It is clearly an effort to improve the Malay lot from sliding down further.

"In other words, the Malay leadership had taken the initiative not to leave the fate of Malays merely to fate," he explained.

Since Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak introduced his transformation agenda, Mahathir had on numerous occasions had expressed concern about the position of Malays being affected.

Related stories

Dr M rues 'lazy' Malays, cites naked Japanese

KJ again dodges queries about Dr M's criticisms

Rafizi: 1MDB's RM30bil debt a threat to us