Defending Malays doesn’t mean protecting wrongdoers, says Pejuang

Pejuang deputy president Mior Haidir clarified that defending Malays does not equate to shielding individuals who have committed crimes, nor does opposing selective prosecution mean rejecting the legal process. In a statement, Mior acknowledged that inquiries into selective prosecution are valid, but this does not warrant halting investigations or protecting wrongdoers.

"If wrongdoing exists, investigate and charge. If innocent, permit a defense. The law must proceed impartially, irrespective of power dynamics or who becomes the accuser," he asserted. Mior cautioned against using Malay political alliances to shield individuals under scrutiny. "Unity should not be a tool sought only when tensions escalate; genuine unity should arise from a deeper commitment to the race's well-being, not as a temporary escape from current predicaments," he questioned.

The remarks follow recent indictments against several Umno officials following investigations into Tabung Haji and Felda. Moreover, the statements come as Umno and PAS reinvigorated their call for Malay unity, rekindling their partnership after both parties leveraged the BN-PAS-led Perikatan Nasional's victory in the Negeri Sembilan state election, which resulted in a two-thirds majority in the state legislature.

Mior emphasized that Malay unity should not be a fleeting shield, open in times of crisis and closed when dangers subside. He urged that any efforts to unite Malays should revolve around a broader agenda encompassing economic empowerment, education, asset ownership, integrity, governance, and the Malay community's future, rather than merely safeguarding individual or factional interests.

"We require a more measured approach to politics; one capable of upholding Malay rights without compromising principles, ensuring justice regardless of the accused, and combating corruption irrespective of the perpetrator," he concluded.