Despite the current Chinese voters being seen as leaning towards Pakatan Rakyat, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed has dismissed this view, saying that only a few Chinese extremists would support a change of government.

In a China Press interview published today, he said that many Chinese appreciated what the Barisan Nasional government had contributed to Malaysia.

“I have been approached by Chinese when I drink coffee at Pavillion Kuala Lumpur. I am surprised that they say ‘thank you’ to me.

“I asked them why, they told me that they appreciated the BN government’s contribution to the country.

“This proves that not all Chinese want to change the government,” he was quoted as saying.

Regarding the election campaign period, Mahathir opined that the shorter the better, saying that 10 days is enough for the looming election.

For example, he said, the people were highly emotional during the six-week campaign period in the 1969 general election.

As such, he said that the emotional sentiment was turned into ethnic riots.

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