'Common knowledge' - Mahathir defends remark against royalty

'Common knowledge' - Mahathir defends remark against royalty


Dr Mahathir Mohamad defended his remarks against the royalty today, where he claimed the Malay rulers had "surrendered and signed their states away" during the British colonial times to remain in power and for the "raja" title.

Speaking at a press conference, the former premier said it was "common knowledge" that the Malay rulers would sell off land plots to earn an income.

"I was speaking about the Malay rulers, how they collected taxes during those days when they did not have income, and I relate to what happened in Johor.

"This is a fact, and everybody knows this. Everybody knows that he sold a piece of land for RM4 billion. Am I not allowed to speak about this?

"And I have met with the Chinese who bought that land, the person was boasting how he acquired the land for RM4 billion, and it now belongs to him forever," he said.

Mahathir said this when asked to comment on the status of investigations that were launched by the police against him recently.

It was reported that police were investigating Mahathir over his statements containing alleged elements of contempt towards the royal institution.

This was regarding a video purportedly showing the 97-year-old speaking at a private function.

In the video, Mahathir allegedly made a remark that the Malays cannot rely on the Malay rulers to protect them.

He also purportedly divulged that he had no respect for the rulers.

Meanwhile, asked to comment about DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang being awarded a 'Tan Sri' title by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday, Mahathir responded cynically.

"It's good. He is now on the same level as (former PAS spiritual leader) Nik (Abdul) Aziz (Nik Mat).

"His contributions to the country is unchallenged by any person.

"Only he can be at the same level as Nik Aziz," Mahathir said.


Malay Proclamation meet

Today’s press conference was held following a roundtable meeting involving political party leaders, politicians and individuals backing the pro-Malay Proclamation movement spearheaded by Mahathir.

Among those present was PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who had recently come under fire for working with Mahathir due to their differences, including on the 1985 Memali incident.

The Memali incident refers to a stand-off between supporters of PAS member and preacher Ibrahim Mahmud, better known as Ibrahim Libya, and police in Baling, Kedah.

A clash between them left 14 civilians and four police personnel dead, including Ibrahim.

When the incident occurred, Mahathir was the prime minister and was largely blamed by PAS members.

When asked about the criticism, Hadi sidestepped the question by saying that it was "out of context" based on today's meeting.

Mahathir explained that he and Hadi are now working together as both are Malays.

"He is a Malay, I am a Malay, so we cooperate," Mahathir said.