Mahathir rallies Malay voters ahead of state polls

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today warned the Malays against political fatigue, adding that a lack of votes would mean choosing candidates with "evil intentions", ahead of elections to be held in six states this year. 

"Many Malays are of the opinion that politics is boring, so what is the use of voting in elections.

"Whether or not politics is boring, the fact is that votes determine who becomes the government. 

"If the Malays do not vote, those who form the government will be the ones who get the votes. And these votes will come from people who have been bribed by parties and candidates who wish to accumulate wealth by becoming the government," he said in a statement. 

Mahathir, who led the country for a total of 24 years over two stints in the top office, said that not voting was equivalent to voting for candidates who depend on bribes. 

"We have seen how bad candidates, when they win and stand in government, stole billions of ringgit in government money, damaged their party and the government, and turned Malaysia into a 'kleptocracy', which is a country ruled by thieves and criminals," he said. 

"Those who rely on bribes are not clean candidates. If they form the government, they will abuse power and steal." 

Mahathir said those who wanted a good government should vote for "clean" candidates, adding that only an administration formed by such representatives would serve in the interests of the country and religion. 

"Don't be bored and refuse to vote," he said. "Not voting will mean voting for candidates with evil intentions, who will destroy the future of voters." 

Elections will be held in Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu this year.