Malay unity must address real issues, not just politics, says ex-CM

2026-03-07 - 04:43

Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak said most Malays want to see real improvements in their daily lives. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Efforts to protect Malay, Bumiputera and Islamic interests must go beyond political rhetoric and address the everyday concerns of the community, says former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak. He noted that ordinary Malays often prioritise rising costs, job security, their children’s education and access to economic opportunities over party rhetoric. Young Malays are particularly focused on employment and future prospects, while the middle class emphasises economic stability, good governance and policies that enhance competitiveness, he added. “Political unity may matter, but they want to see real improvements in their daily lives,” the Sabah Umno treasurer said in a Facebook post today. “Among Malay professionals, there is also a view that Malay unity should not be driven solely by political parties or leaders but must bring real benefits to society.” Salleh also highlighted that Sabahan Malays may have different priorities, including state rights, development, and the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). “This raises a broader question: what are the real challenges facing the Malay community today — political threats, or economic and social change?” There have been calls for greater Malay political consolidation at the national level ahead of the next general election. Opposition MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal previously said efforts to unite Malay parties should culminate in an electoral pact to consolidate political power. In 2019, Umno and PAS, arguably the nation’s two largest Malay-Muslim parties, formed the Muafakat Nasional pact, but it collapsed after PAS joined Bersatu in establishing Perikatan Nasional, which went on to form a new government in 2020. Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad also launched initiatives such as the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition via Pejuang, but this effort failed to win any seats in the 2022 general election.