Why Mahathir? What will be left behind?

Mahathir Mohamad's persistent comments challenging the status quo of non-Malays in Malaysia and asserting that Malaysia is not a multiethnic nation but rather a Malay-centric one has generated waves of disgusted comments by netizens, who refuse to believe that the nostalgia of Malaysia’s strongman has turned into the ramblings of racist elder that is hellbent on dividing a country that he once built.

Mahathir Mohamad's recent and puzzling stance, where he claims that promoting a multiethnic Malaysia goes against the Federal Constitution.

"The current government asserts that Malaysia is a democratic nation with freedom of expression," Mahathir stated. "Is it unlawful to defend the Federal Constitution?"

He added, "On the contrary, it is unconstitutional to advocate for a multiethnic nation. Is the government, in doing so, disregarding the rule of law, including the constitution, which does not explicitly describe Malaysia as a multiethnic country but instead underscores its 'Malayness'?" Mahathir made these remarks in a social media post.

As perplexing as it may seem, these are the sentiments and words of a man who served as our prime minister on two separate occasions—for a total of 22 years and later another 22 months.

These statements seem designed to foster an "us versus them" narrative, based on stereotypes and potentially misleading information, perpetuated by those in positions of power. Such rhetoric has the potential to marginalize and oppress minority groups, further emphasizing inherent racial and power hierarchies.

The consequence of this rhetoric is a noticeable lack of enthusiasm compared to the energy witnessed during the GE14 elections. People, both online and offline, are expressing weariness, with many calling on Mahathir to relinquish his influence.

The former prime minister has repeatedly made allegations suggesting that there are external efforts to transform Malaysia, originally referred to as "tanah Melayu" (land of the Malays), into a multiethnic nation. He has also claimed that these individuals refuse to acknowledge Malays as the country's founders, locals, and builders.

His statements seem to invent scenarios where suggestions or demands for such changes are being made. Mahathir appears to be conjuring news to instill fear in the public.

It's clear that Mahathir and his allies have the intention of returning to positions of power. However, their political approach appears to rely less on philosophical principles and more on fostering hatred and fear. In such a context, their methods could potentially lead to disastrous outcomes.

Our only consolation is that Mahathir may not have many years left, but the question is: what will come after? And what monster will arise from the ashes left in Mahathir’s wake.