Marhaen Dan Rakyat

Thirty four years ago, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad introduced Vision 2020, a bold roadmap to transform Malaysia into a developed nation. Over two decades, he presided over the country’s dramatic economic transformation, shifting the country from agriculture and resource dependency to industrialization, high-tech manufacturing, and rapid urban development. His mega-projects, from the Petronas Twin Towers to the North-South Expressway, became symbols of a nation that could stand toe to toe with the metropolises of the West. Under Mahathir, Malaysia’s GDP rose impressively, and infrastructure development brought tangible improvements to generations of Malaysians. But beneath the glistening towers of Kuala Lumpur lay a system that privileged certain groups over others. Mahathir’s economic model was deeply tied to the idea of Bumiputera empowerment, preferential policies for Malays and other associated indigenous groups, which, while lifting some into the middle class, also marginalized Chi...

Bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad baru-baru ini menubuhkan satu gerakan baharu yang dinamakan sebagai Sekretariat Orang Melayu. Gerakan itu ditubuhkan kononnya bagi menyatukan semua pihak yang memperjuangkan nasib orang Melayu di bawah satu payung besar. Mahathir mendakwa inisiatif itu merupakan satu langkah untuk mengembalikan kuasa politik dan cabaran yang dihadapi oleh orang Melayu. Namun, ini bukan kali pertama Mahathir mengambil pendekatan sebegini. Sepanjang karier politiknya, beliau telah beberapa kali menggunakan naratif 'ancaman terhadap orang Melayu' sebagai pemangkin untuk meraih sokongan orang ramai. SUMBER: https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2025/06/sekretariat-orang-melayu-bermotif-politik-jauh-tertinggal-ahmad/ Mahathir sering memainkan sentimen bahawa orang Melayu diancam, baik dari segi ekonomi, pendidikan dan kedudukan politik. Namun, retorik-retorik tersebut sebenarnya tidak dibuat dengan pelan tindakan jangka masa panjang. Malahan, ketika beli...

As Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad celebrates his 99th birthday, it has been a somewhat muted year for the elder statesman, with a quick look at posts celebrating his birthday often being a mixed bag of praise and chastisement. For most of his fans, the view of Mahathir's legacy is pretty simple – a tenure marked by rapid industrialization and ambitious infrastructure projects propelled Malaysia onto the global stage. However, these policies came at a significant cost. His heavy-handed approach to economic management led to crony capitalism, where government contracts and licenses were awarded to a select group of politically connected individuals. This fostered an environment of corruption and nepotism that stymied genuine competition and innovation, hindering Malaysia's potential for sustainable, equitable growth. The financial crisis of 1997-1998 exposed the vulnerabilities of Mahathir's economic model. Instead of implementing transparent reforms, Mahathir resorted to capital co...

Despite nearing a century of age, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad remains an active figure in the political landscape. A longstanding advocate for Malay rights, Mahathir often clashed with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) during his initial tenure as prime minister from 1981 to 2003. Given this historical context, the unexpected reconciliation between Mahathir and the Islamist PAS in May 2023 raises eyebrows. In a surprising turn, PAS President Hadi Awang endorsed the "Malay Proclamation," a 12-point manifesto crafted by Mahathir. This document seeks to foster Malay unity and rejuvenate the political influence of Malays, who constitute the majority of Malaysia's population alongside other Bumiputera groups. The proclamation suggests that Malays have experienced a decline in political authority, likely attributed to the current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. It calls for setting aside political discord to reinvigorate and safeguard the interests of the Mal...

The relationship between Mahathir and the Malaysian royalty can be described as tumultuous. Once again, the former statesman has launched another attack on the Johor royal family for allegedly failing to help the Malays. However, given his turbulent history with the royals, can we trust his accusations? Mahathir has constantly portrayed himself as a stabilizing force in Malaysian politics, with grand statements such as only he can take charge and lead the Malays into the future. But it is crystal clear today that Mahathir is responsible for the political instability we see today. Pursuing his vision of Malaysia, he turned UMNO and the Barisan Nasional into a powerful patronage machine. He crippled every institution supposed to check and balance an overreaching executive to push through his “reforms.” He often sacrificed integrity to secure loyalty and bypassed those not supporting him. What about his Bumi first policy? The effects of Mahathir’s policies on his “favoured” bumiputras hav...