Anwar's govt all talk and no action, says Mahathir

Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said that the coalition government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had made many promises but failed to fulfil what was pledged. 

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya, the former leader said many things were said to have been expedited with no results by the ministers and government members. 

He gave the example of the frequent push for a "Madani government", adding however that nothing had happened. 

Instead, he said, the economy and cost of living situation was still difficult. 

"The political situation is also unstable," he added. 

"Every day, he says he wants to do things but it looks like nothing has happened yet."

Mahathir also questioned the government's ability to protect the interests of the Malays, especially those living in poverty. 

He also warned of a bleak future for the ethnic community, saying some had been forced to mortgage their assets and sell their land in order to survive. 

"They have sold their land because of their poverty," he said. 

"If this continues, the Malays will have no land left of their own. No assets. 

"I am not confident that the current government can defend the Malays." 

Mahathir said each time the matter of Malay poverty came up, the government would say that poverty was not unique to the community but crossed racial and religious boundaries. 

He said this made it more difficult to eradicate poverty since helping the Malay economy had been a challenge from the start.  

He said they were not efficient in the ins and outs of business, and had not benefited from many of the opportunities and the assistance given by the government. 

"The Malay MPs, too, are loyal to their parties," he said. 

"Even if their party goes rogue, they will continue to support it. They don't act as Malays but as party members."