Once again Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is taking potshots at Malay Singaporeans to shore up support for the forthcoming election.

He has insulted them by alleging that they have been marginalised by the influx of immigrants. The truth is despite the lack of so-called 'bumiputra policies' that were created to favour Malay Malaysians across the causeway, the Malay Singaporeans have been performing well.

In fact they can hold their heads high that they can compete with others on equal terms. On the other hand, the creation of National Economic Policy by the Malaysian government, particularly during Mahathir's era, underscored the lack of confidence in the abilities of Malay Malaysians.

But is the NEP achieving its objectives? Not at all. A fact that Mahathir himself has admitted. Despite the unfair advantages given them, the Malay Malaysian entrepreneurs are still lacking far behind in economic status. Of course, one needs to question too why only a few bumiputras enjoy all the extra privileges.

Mahathir's harsh rhetoric statement about the influx of immigrants into Singapore marginalising the local Malays put him on the same pedestal as Le Pen. The other Malaysian ethnic groups would well pay to take heed of such a statement. Like a saying goes, a leopard does not change its spots.