KUALA LUMPUR (May 2): Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has written a letter to Langkawi voters, appealing for their votes in the May 9 general election and reminding them it is their “final chance” to redeem race, religion and the nation’s hope.

The former Prime Minister, who is vying for the Langkawi Parliamentary seat under the PKR ticket, said this election is an opportunity to select candidates that would defend the islanders’ rights and the island’s fate.

“In the past, together with Umno, I developed Langkawi as the Prime Minister and people experienced improvement and development,” he said in his letter dated April 26, which is being circulated by hand on the island.

“Many locals succeeded in businesses and there were a lot of job opportunities. Langkawi was known globally, attracting many foreign tourists that brought good fortune for those who worked hard,” said Mahathir.

“But Umno is not same Umno as before (because) the party has been spoilt by (its president) Datuk Seri Najib Razak, resulting in the country being spoilt too,” said the one-time Umno president who now heads Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).

“Malaysians complain about the high cost of living, unemployment, lack of scholarships, goods and services tax (GST), cutting of petrol subsidy, closure of small businesses, and absence of small contracts.

“Langkawi is not an exception. I am sure the voters are aware of this,” he added.

Mahathir said that in every general election since the formation of the country, Langkawi has been a safe seat for Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN).

“Even when Kedah fell to PAS in the 12th general election, Langkawi remained with BN but this time it is different (because) BN is being fought by Pakatan. Like BN, we are also made up of several political parties, including PPBM. The rest are PKR, Parti Amanah Negara and DAP. This coalition is considered a threat to BN,” he said.

Mahathir said the government had blocked Pakatan’s bid to register as a coalition.

This, he said, was done by revoking PPBM’s registration to stop the party from contesting in the election which allegedly would have been an easy path for BN to win uncontested.

“However, the court has cancelled PPBM’s suspension by the Registrar of Societies, and Pakatan has been legitimised. But we are sticking to our decision that all Pakatan candidates contest using the PKR symbol,” said Mahathir.

The former premier went on to ask Langkawi voters if they were willing to see the rot continue in the country.

“This election is our last moment (and) opportunity to redeem race, religion and the country’s fate. Please give Pakatan
candidates Juhari Bulat (Ayer Hangat State seat), Firdaus Ahmad (Kuah State seat) and me a chance by voting for us.

“We hope that our struggle to save our people, and return the country’s pride is blessed,” he said.