Malays are not losing political power, says Mat Taib - The Star

SELAMA: The issue of Malays losing political power in the country should not arise as the people have given the mandate to Barisan Nasional to lead the country, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said.

The Umno information chief said the people had picked Barisan, which comprises Umno, MCA and MIC and other parties.

“As long as the power is given by the people, we will carry it out. The matter of disintegrating Malay leadership should not arise at all because the people have given the (leadership) power to the ruling party,” he said Sunday in Bagan Bharu, Selama, in Perak.

Muhammad Taib was commenting on a statement made by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who said that the Malays' grip on political power had been loosened to a point where non-Malays no longer respected them and their institutions.

“Even though Barisan Nasional has lost in a few states, it does not mean the people no longer supported Barisan to lead the country,” said Muhammad Taib.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/19/nation/21294264&sec=nation]