FORMER prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was unable to attend the SG4 2026 Business and Economic Forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today due to health concerns.
Tan Sri Mokhzani instead read his father’s speech at the forum.
“My father had prepared the speech, but he is unwell,” he said.
Dr Mahathir’s younger son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, was also present.
In his speech, Dr Mahathir warned that some Malays' attitudes, including taking shortcuts and seeking quick profits, could hinder their progress.
He said some had abandoned honesty and trustworthiness, resorting to corruption to maximise profits with minimal effort.
"And that has indeed been the bane of the Malay Muslims in the country, and focus is always turned on the SG4 states because the majority living there are Malay Muslims," he said.
SG4 comprises Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan and Perlis, which PAS governs.
Dr Mahathir also rejected the perception that people in the four states lacked business acumen, saying many successful Malay entrepreneurs in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and the west coast states originated from SG4 states. - October 26, 2026