Since Pakatan Harapan chairperson recited a poem with the phrase "Melayu mudah lupa" (Malays forget easily) in the 2001 Umno General Assembly, his critics have at various times used the line against him.

The latest Umno leader to do so is Selangor BN information chief Satim Diman who, without directly mentioning Mahathir’s name, claimed that the former premier has now become the "Malay who forgets the most."

"The Malays would sometimes forget, and so it was mentioned that 'Malays forget easily'.

“But now the person who said that is the one who forgets the most," Satim (photo) said in his speech to about 50 settlers at Ladang Fermanagh, Kuala Langat today.

He earlier touched on the subject of unity among the Malays, Chinese and Indians, as first envisioned by the country's forefathers.

He noted that the three major races used to live in harmony, but said that this is no longer the case today.

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"At this estate, when we were children, we used to have fun together. We could see how the Javanese villagers and estate (Indians) would be friends.

"When we sit side by side, I was like the Indian and the Indian was like me...We were friends. But now we hardly see such things anymore," he lamented.

According to Satim, this perceived disharmony was due to people who have forgotten about the country's history and contributions of their forefathers.

"We forgot history until we are disunited. Also when some people (federal government) say good things, (you) don't want to listen, but when others (state government) say bad things, you listen," he said when addressing the settlers.

The former Seri Serdang assemblyperson had earlier attended the Jelajah Kasih Negeriku Selangor programme, part of Selangor BN's touch point series for the Tanjong Sepat state seat.

During the programme, free eye test and spectacles were distributed to elderly and low-income Ladang Fermanagh settlers.

Those present were also given hampers and a cash donation.