Malay voters reminded not to be emotional in choosing govt - Muhammad

Former Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib has reminded Malay voters, especially in the state, not to be emotional but to use their wisdom in choosing the government during the next general election (GE).

He said Malay voters must also be wise when choosing the party which could ensure their wellbeing and and fight for the Malay agenda.

"Use the brain and don't let your emotion decide who should run the government because that can be detrimental. If the Malays want to be safe, they must choose a party that has a proven track record in taking care of the Malays, which is UMNO.

"...if leaders made mistakes, we can replace them, but the house (party) must be maintained. We should not run amok. If UMNO is weak, we are the ones who have to strengthen it," he said in a special media conference held at his house in Section 7 here today on his return to UMNO.

Muhammad who is a former UMNO vice-president also stressed that his return to UMNO was not because he wanted a position in the party, but was to show his support for the current leadership.

He added that it was also because he felt he had to defend and fight for the Malays, including in Selangor after the opposition coalition failed to resolve various issues affecting the Malays.

"Previously, I was invited by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to join PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) as he wanted me to help solve the problems of Felda Sungai Buaya (Hulu Selangor) settlers who said their land had been seized by the state government for development purposes.

"I have done my part and took the matter to the attention of Selangor Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali) but no action was taken...so what was the point of me being asked to help solve the matter?" he said.

Muhammad also reminded the Malays to continue to defend their political strength in the country.

He said the Malays must be matured and not fight among themselves if they want to continue being leaders in the country.

"At the same time, the Chinese and the Indians must also be supported. I think the non-Malays also want the Malays to be politically strong because it would allow them to conduct their businesses properly while the Indians can carry on with their professions," he said.

Prime Minister who is also UMNO President Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced Muhammad's return to the party at a special press conference held on Sept 17.

In April, 2013, Muhammad left UMNO and joined PAS, and in September 2015, he joined PKR.

-- BERNAMA