MalayMail-Mar 6
Malaysia could have a non-Malay prime minister in future if the majority of citizens can be convinced that it will serve their best interests, Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said today amid a broad debate about racial politics. Taking a strong stand, the former Kedah menteri besar pointed out that Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution does not dictate the racial identity of who can be prime minister but states it must be one who commands the majority support of the MPs who themselves must be voted in by their respective constituents. He said that a non-Malay leader who is not corrupt is better than having a leader who is corrupt, but added that Malaysians will need a mindset shift in order to be convinced about this. “It’s important to note that the reason why all 10 prime ministers we have had are Malays is not due to behind-the-scenes manipulation by Malay politicians. As long as democracy is practised in this country, the majority will continue to choose a leader who best represents their interests. “If a non-Malay can convince the majority of Malays to support them, the norms will change. However, unless our system truly unites all our peoples, this will remain a pipe dream,” Mukhriz said on Facebook. He expressed his agreement with DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, saying the latter was “correct in stating that kleptocracy will destroy the nation”. Read more at: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/03/06/amid-prolonged-debate-mukhriz-says-better-a-non-malay-pm-who-isnt-corrupt-rather-than-corrupt-malay/58245
