Veteran Umno leader Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has attributed the growing instability within Malaysia’s political parties to leaders who aspire to the prime minister’s role but lack the necessary vision to steer the nation forward.
In an interview with FMT, the former finance minister highlighted how many politicians fixate on securing the top position without offering clear ideas or practical strategies for effective governance. “They don’t know what they want to do, and may mess things up. This is not a kacang putih seller’s job, you know,” he remarked, underscoring the intricate demands of national leadership.
Tengku Razaleigh, an Umno adviser, noted that political turmoil has intensified because leaders prioritise personal ambition over collective duty. “Their ideology is often driven by ambition or hangers-on. But true leadership is about embracing everyone, both weak and strong, Malay and non-Malay,” he said.
His comments come amid recent internal conflicts in Bersatu, where party president Muhyiddin Yassin has faced demands to resign, alongside public criticisms of secretary-general Azmin Ali.
Tengku Razaleigh, affectionately known as Ku Li, emphasised that effective leadership in a diverse, multiethnic and multireligious nation like Malaysia demands balance and moderation. He praised the country’s founding fathers for embodying these qualities, which fostered national unity.
“We were fortunate to have leaders like Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, and Tun VT Sambanthan, among others, who adopted the right approach,” he said. “They did not take us to the extreme. Leaders like that were needed to remind us that this is a country we are going to share together.”
He stressed that when entrusted with responsibility, a leader must safeguard the interests of the entire nation, not just one group. “That requires fairness and balance. Extreme views must be tapered down,” added the former 11-term Gua Musang MP.
Tengku Razaleigh warned that parties embracing extreme stances would struggle to govern Malaysia successfully. “Even in a fully Islamic state as envisioned by PAS, there would still be divisions in opinion. Without balance, no party can succeed, whether it is PAS, DAP, or any other,” he explained.
More recently, he observed growing unease among Malays regarding the proposed Urban Renewal Act, promoted by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming from DAP. He likened the initiative to Singapore’s urban renewal projects, which displaced Malay communities and revived fears of DAP’s “Malaysian Malaysia” ideology.
“The Malays fear they will be scattered, unable to return and priced out,” Tengku Razaleigh said, noting concerns that the law could undermine Malay rights.
About The Author
