By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
PETALING JAYA, Oct 17 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday brushed aside Khairy Jamaluddin’s call for Malays to end their siege mentality, pointing out that perhaps “some of us are already successful.”
But the former prime minister said there were still many Malays who found it hard to make a living.
Dr Mahathir said last night he believed Malays still had a siege mentality because of their relative poverty.
“Maybe the average Malay feels that he is under siege, so to speak because he does not earn enough,” said Dr Mahathir.
He was commenting Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin’s speech at the Umno general assembly.
“Well, maybe some of us feel that we are already successful, so we don’t need to be under ‘siege’,” said Dr Mahathir.
Khairy had this week urged Malays to end their siege mentality and emphasise Malay leadership as opposed to Ketuanan Melayu, or Malay supremacy.
His call to end the siege mentality was virtually blacked out by Umno’s Malay-language newspapers. Only English-language newspapers, vernacular and online media published stories emphasising the siege mentality part of his speech.
Khairy was also criticised by a number of right-wing Umno blogs, with many likening his remarks to something which Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would say.
When asked last night, Dr Mahathir — a fierce critic of Khairy — declined to say whether he agreed or disagreed with the Umno Youth chief’s remarks.
“I’m not saying I’m agreeing or disagreeing with what he (Khairy) said. I don’t have to agree or disagree with anything.”
Khairy has been forced to defend his remarks after receiving flak from right-wing elements in the party.
Comments (28)
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written by greateagle, October 17, 2009
written by greateagle, October 17, 2009
"THIS DEFINITELY SHOWS THAT THE DEVIOUS MAHATHIR WILL NOT LET UP FOR HIS PERSONAL GAIN,EGO,& VENDETTA."
His RISING SON must be locked in and secured at all cost,even the progress of the nation is of no importance as long as he get his way.
UMNO and all in UMNO must cut this evil CANCER before it becomes TERMINAL.
Khairy- your f-i-l fell because of Mahathir,do not let him cower you into submission,stand by on what you say.Yours is a new GENERATION and there are many wise and honest MENTOR willing to see our beloved country return to its former GLORY of PEACE,LOVE & JOY among its people unlike the CANCER which prevail for 22 years replacing our PEACE,LOVE & JOY with GREED,HATE & SADNESS.
His RISING SON must be locked in and secured at all cost,even the progress of the nation is of no importance as long as he get his way.
UMNO and all in UMNO must cut this evil CANCER before it becomes TERMINAL.
Khairy- your f-i-l fell because of Mahathir,do not let him cower you into submission,stand by on what you say.Yours is a new GENERATION and there are many wise and honest MENTOR willing to see our beloved country return to its former GLORY of PEACE,LOVE & JOY among its people unlike the CANCER which prevail for 22 years replacing our PEACE,LOVE & JOY with GREED,HATE & SADNESS.
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written by The Empire Strikes Back, October 17, 2009
written by The Empire Strikes Back, October 17, 2009
Whatever KJ says our grand old man of UMNO TDM will reject cos if not for KJ his son will be leading UMNO Youth. So you now you know why he wanted Tun Abdullah to be topple, so that KJ will not have the support and looses the vote. But now all is history cos KJ won. Hehehehehehehehehehehe......................
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written by My View, October 17, 2009
written by My View, October 17, 2009
Yes, Khairy is right this time. The seige mentality was created and advocated by the crooked old man Tun who used this seige mentality to his own advantage. At least the old man agrees that there are still many poor Malays in this country . When you are poor, it is not because others have taken away your rights. There are still many poor people of various races. So who has taken away the rights of poor people of other races. Bloody racist old man.
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written by anak pulau, October 17, 2009
written by anak pulau, October 17, 2009
Definately UMNO would prefer the seige mentality to continue so that UMNO can continue to hold on to the malays for depending on UMNO. But at the end of the day, the country will loose out. Seige mentally will not breed creativity, this already happen to those graduate churn out each year from the public university which not able to get employment. They only depend on the government to provide them employment. When the country petronas money dry up in 10years time, the country will nopt be able to subsidy the malays, which form the majority. What will happen to the rayat by than?. only god knows.
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written by Lin Chor Mah, October 17, 2009
written by Lin Chor Mah, October 17, 2009
Poor Khairy. He should have learned by now that no one in Umno likes the truth. Everyone prefers to sendiri bohong sendiri.
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written by Krishna, October 17, 2009
written by Krishna, October 17, 2009
Come Khairy. Do not let Dr M get away with this.
Come on Dr. M. Do not let this unemployed rich man get away this disparaging statement.
Come on Dr. M. Do not let this unemployed rich man get away this disparaging statement.
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- +12
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written by B.U.N., October 17, 2009
written by B.U.N., October 17, 2009
Malays still form the bulk of the poor and they remain relatively poor but that's all primarily because of the policies that were implemented over the two decades when Dr. M. was PM. His policies enriched the few at the expense of the majority. His policies in education, for instance, set the Malays and the whole nation back. We were once among the best in Asia but today we are so far behind that none of our universities have made it to the top 500 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities which is a far more objective ranking system than that of the THES.
Najib work out his reforms that might right the wrong in Dr. M's policies. Dr. M. should put an end to his own siege mentality.
Najib work out his reforms that might right the wrong in Dr. M's policies. Dr. M. should put an end to his own siege mentality.
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- +25
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written by looksee, October 17, 2009
written by looksee, October 17, 2009
...and the biggest siege mental nut is Dr M.
Yes Dr. M, there are many poor MALAYSIANS and that is why we need an efficient, understanding and MALAYSIAN government that actually knows a thing or two about governing.
I stopped reading most newspapers a long time ago. It is bad for brain development.
Dr. M doesn't need to agree with anyone, because no one has to agree with him.
So much for umm...no being a anti apartheid, but we have been here before. Najib is just being a talam dua muka as usual
Yes Dr. M, there are many poor MALAYSIANS and that is why we need an efficient, understanding and MALAYSIAN government that actually knows a thing or two about governing.
I stopped reading most newspapers a long time ago. It is bad for brain development.
Dr. M doesn't need to agree with anyone, because no one has to agree with him.
So much for umm...no being a anti apartheid, but we have been here before. Najib is just being a talam dua muka as usual
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written by Malaysiacoverup, October 17, 2009
written by Malaysiacoverup, October 17, 2009
B.U.N, both of them just couldn't agree what 1Malaysia is. TDM just wants the good old days. The youngman is full rhetoric and has yet to show whether he can walk the talk. Sincererity from anyone of them is near zero. Sweet talk because they think malaysian are fools.
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- +7
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written by SM, October 17, 2009
written by SM, October 17, 2009
There are Indians, Chinese & Other Races who find it hard to make a living, not just Malays (as stated by Dr. M)! Dr. M is showing that he has not changed his Racist ways!
Furthermore, he will never forgive KJ...1/ because KJ beat Mukhriz for the Youth Leader's post 2/ KJ is Badawi's son-in-law (& we know how much Dr. M loves Badawi!).
If KJ is really pushing for change, then go for it KJ!
Furthermore, he will never forgive KJ...1/ because KJ beat Mukhriz for the Youth Leader's post 2/ KJ is Badawi's son-in-law (& we know how much Dr. M loves Badawi!).
If KJ is really pushing for change, then go for it KJ!
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- +23
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written by 2414, October 17, 2009
written by 2414, October 17, 2009
after 52 years of merdeka, and nearly 40 years of nep, i wonder why there are still many malays who are poor? tun, maybe the implementation huh?
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- +14
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written by zakk, October 17, 2009
written by zakk, October 17, 2009
Why is KJ so slow? He should get his speech approved by Dr. M just like Media Prima and NSTP before he delivers it. Better still he should quote Dr. M extensively in his speech.
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- +8
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written by ziggy, October 17, 2009
written by ziggy, October 17, 2009
Good on you Khairy, you have got the courage and balls to call 'a spade' a spade, well done, don't
worry about the " Sick Oldman of Asia ", let him howl for he wants, pay no heed to his sadistic
comments.
worry about the " Sick Oldman of Asia ", let him howl for he wants, pay no heed to his sadistic
comments.
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- +9
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written by Malaysian under siege, October 17, 2009
written by Malaysian under siege, October 17, 2009
What Khairy said is what we need from a good Umno leader but it is not enough to break the raciast, corrupt mentally of a real Umno. That is why nothing will change Umno to make this country a better place, definitely not 1Malaysia. Poor Malays need help, so is the poor non-Malay.
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written by Ken, October 17, 2009
written by Ken, October 17, 2009
The siege mentality of the Malays is precisely what Umno cultivates to hold on to power. Little wonder that Khairy has been attacked.
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written by molineux, October 17, 2009
written by molineux, October 17, 2009
Mahatir is of course the Mother of siege mentality
Starting with Malay Dilemma,
he quarrelled with himself.
he then constantly quarrelled with neighbour Singapore
he quarrelled with Australia,
he quarrelled with the US,
he quarrelled with the UN..
Inside Malaysia
he quarrelled with the royals,
he quarreled with then Umno leadership,
he quarreled with all his deputies
he quarrelled with the judiciary
he quarrelled with every new Umno leadership
he quarrelled with all BN component leaders
he quarrelled with KJ, Umno youth leadership,
As someone puts it, Recalcitrant!
Starting with Malay Dilemma,
he quarrelled with himself.
he then constantly quarrelled with neighbour Singapore
he quarrelled with Australia,
he quarrelled with the US,
he quarrelled with the UN..
Inside Malaysia
he quarrelled with the royals,
he quarreled with then Umno leadership,
he quarreled with all his deputies
he quarrelled with the judiciary
he quarrelled with every new Umno leadership
he quarrelled with all BN component leaders
he quarrelled with KJ, Umno youth leadership,
As someone puts it, Recalcitrant!
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- +20
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written by hujan, October 17, 2009
written by hujan, October 17, 2009
KJ , now you know what is UMNO . Especially the UMNO made by Dr.M...
UMNO want to change ? Tunggu-lah ....
Dr. M is getting very personal . Everything about KJ and Tun Abdul Badawi , he will wip them and continue to screw them up side down. For most of the time , he do not know how to control his emotion ...
When he hate someone , he will do all his best continue all his best effort to shit them .
Dr.M , be tenang , be happy , learn how to forgive people and this will help other people to forgive you .
UMNO want to change ? Tunggu-lah ....
Dr. M is getting very personal . Everything about KJ and Tun Abdul Badawi , he will wip them and continue to screw them up side down. For most of the time , he do not know how to control his emotion ...
When he hate someone , he will do all his best continue all his best effort to shit them .
Dr.M , be tenang , be happy , learn how to forgive people and this will help other people to forgive you .
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- +6
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written by SudahLah !, October 17, 2009
written by SudahLah !, October 17, 2009
All in the name of Democracy !
Free to say what you want, BUT Not free to do what you want.
KJ, still trying very hard to be appointed a Minister by Najib ??
Happy dreaming (just like old man, eh?).
Free to say what you want, BUT Not free to do what you want.
KJ, still trying very hard to be appointed a Minister by Najib ??
Happy dreaming (just like old man, eh?).
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written by amoker, October 17, 2009
written by amoker, October 17, 2009
Ah Khairy, remember that TDM is not your father and he would not back you.
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written by drago, October 17, 2009
written by drago, October 17, 2009
So long KJ is around, Dr M will never rest in peace. As for KJ's "seige mentality" rhetoric, it's just
a buzzword that he coined. Umno has been dominant for years so how did this seige mentality come into the equation? More like racist mentality all these years, fed by Umno bigots and right-wingers.
As for his call for "Malay leadership" as opposed to "Ketuanan Melayu" or Malay supremacy, it's still a catchphrase that has an unsavoury ring to it. Until everything is equal whatever high-sounding utterances will ring hollow.
Look at it this way, one day they told us to get lost or tried to cow us and next day they start to bring roses to us. Can a leopard change its spot?
Maybe yes, it takes time and a thorough house-cleaning with all the dirt washed away.
a buzzword that he coined. Umno has been dominant for years so how did this seige mentality come into the equation? More like racist mentality all these years, fed by Umno bigots and right-wingers.
As for his call for "Malay leadership" as opposed to "Ketuanan Melayu" or Malay supremacy, it's still a catchphrase that has an unsavoury ring to it. Until everything is equal whatever high-sounding utterances will ring hollow.
Look at it this way, one day they told us to get lost or tried to cow us and next day they start to bring roses to us. Can a leopard change its spot?
Maybe yes, it takes time and a thorough house-cleaning with all the dirt washed away.
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written by Son of Bolehland, October 17, 2009
written by Son of Bolehland, October 17, 2009
Poor Khairy. Now is Najid era, nobody will support Khairy anymore. Wait till our leader raises some new concept like 'ONE MENTALITY'. then everybody will jump up the table and voice their support in trance-like spirit.
However, if you look at it from the other angle, most politicians will only admit the truth when they are pushed off the main stage. Truth is painful to be accepted. How can you expect those players on the stage to admit it?
However, if you look at it from the other angle, most politicians will only admit the truth when they are pushed off the main stage. Truth is painful to be accepted. How can you expect those players on the stage to admit it?
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written by Joe, October 17, 2009
written by Joe, October 17, 2009
If only if it had been his son who made the call, then he would have lent his support.
Undersieged? Look at UMNO itself. Corrupt n rotten to the call.
Talk as if non UMNO members have stolen from UMNO members when it has been donkey years since the corrupt n rotten to the core UMNO has stolen from the people.
Undersieged? Look at UMNO itself. Corrupt n rotten to the call.
Talk as if non UMNO members have stolen from UMNO members when it has been donkey years since the corrupt n rotten to the core UMNO has stolen from the people.
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written by bawal, October 17, 2009
written by bawal, October 17, 2009
does his statement shows his state of mind, is he feeling that he is under siege ? Maybe that lead him to believe that malays are having the siege mentality. It is widely known or rumored that he is not much welcome in umno and lots of people wanna see him goes down.
Maybe thats how he is looking to the world.
Maybe thats how he is looking to the world.
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written by sarawakian, October 17, 2009
written by sarawakian, October 17, 2009
Dr since u had been our pm for more than 20yrs u should know better than others not only average malay but other ie: average dayak (iban, bidayuh and other natives), and all the other races in malaysia find it hard to make a living and does not earn enough. so its the gov job to assist those unfortunate ones and if we have so many of our people who cant make ends meet our gov should review their policies and try to make our nation a prosperous one since we are blessed with all the god given natural resources. Dont envy other nation thats much more successful than us learn fm them. and pls dont make decision base only on political advantage cos most of u guy in the gov are learned ones and know how to differentiate btw short gain to long term prosperity for our beloved nation. Tun pls tell the truth since u are one of the most respected and learned one in Malaysia.
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written by jin, October 17, 2009
written by jin, October 17, 2009
Often a siege mentality is self-created. TDM has often reminded us that we are not to be colonised by others; a siege mentality here?
But having a siege mentality and poverty are different issues. No to be confused.
Why do UMNO members (or Malays) have a siege mentality when UMNO has been in power for 50 years! If you are the government with all the power at hand to wield, what siege mentality are you talking about? UMNO has been master of their own destiny for so long. Isn't illogical to talk of a siege mentality?
But having a siege mentality and poverty are different issues. No to be confused.
Why do UMNO members (or Malays) have a siege mentality when UMNO has been in power for 50 years! If you are the government with all the power at hand to wield, what siege mentality are you talking about? UMNO has been master of their own destiny for so long. Isn't illogical to talk of a siege mentality?
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written by Steven Ong, October 18, 2009
written by Steven Ong, October 18, 2009
Yes, the Malays had been too long under the illusion of a siege mentality propagated by UMNO leaders. Till today, they fear even a small Chinese boy. To protect their ( the rich ) easy and luxurious lives, UMNO cunningly came up with all sorts of policies and rules to protect them.
Its time to take alook at the truth behind this siege mentality propaganda that is still widely broadcast every day.
Its time to take alook at the truth behind this siege mentality propaganda that is still widely broadcast every day.
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written by david dass, October 18, 2009
written by david dass, October 18, 2009
Why does Dr. M have difficulty with KJ's call to Malays to end siege mentality ? Why is it necessary for Malays to have a siege mentality ? Basically KJ is calling on Malays to work with others to achieve their objectives. What is wrong with that ? The Chinese are a fiercely entrepreneural community. And the Malays and Indians will do well to work with the Chinese to develop businesses and too acquire entreprenurial expertise. The old formulas developed Dr M have served their purpose. Many are flawed and should be dropped. We ( the Malays,Chinese,Indians, the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, the other minoroties ) must confront the future together as one. Let anyone who needs help be given help. Khari made the point that the Malay is as good as any body else. I beleive in it. The Malays should believe in it. Does Dr. M have doubts on that score ? Or is he just intent on rejecting anything KJ says because of his contempt for KJ ?
GADD
GADD
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I hope that we do not have to wait this long in Malaysia, for if he just shut up would do just as well.