A government made up of a weak coalition will not last long as it will be susceptible to collapse if a coalition partner pulls out, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.

He said such a weak government will not be able to rule firmly, nor protect the Malay interest and the Malay community who are still weak.

Mahathir also said that opposition party PAS is trying to gain non-Malay votes to form a government with its partners and in the process it is sidelining Malay interests.

"To form a government, at least 97 seats in Parliament are needed and as such, seat trades and bargains will continue and Malay interests will be sold in the process. But if a coalition partner pulls out, PAS' government will definitely fall," said the Umno president in his two-hour keynote address at the party's annual general meeting in Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

Mahathir, who is also the prime minister, said PAS is willing to mislead Malays to gain their votes.

"PAS claimed that those who voted for the party will go straight to heaven, that prayers conducted by Umno supporters are illegal, and told other lies.

"What form of democracy will they practise if their policies must come from their Dewan Ulama (Council of Religious Scholars) which is unelected?" he challenged.

He added that PAS is now trying to win the hearts of the Chinese community by preparing Chinese banners, promising land for pig farmers in Terengganu and providing Malay reserve land in Kelantan for Chinese schools.

Both Terengganu and Kelantan are ruled by PAS.

Mahathir also said that the democratic system practised in the country has its flaws, adding that although the system provides for the people to elect the government of their choice, the chosen government is not necessarily good at governing.

"The people are easily influenced. Religion can be used to garner their support to a wrong party."

He also said that the Malays today were used to being offered money and gifts during elections and the situation has come to a stage where those offering more money could ensure victory.

Malay rights

He also lashed out at Western powers for "hating" the present leaders of Malaysia because of the many achievements of the country.

"They hate Malaysia, especially since we managed to overcome the recent economic and financial crisis without their assistance. They also hate us because we exposed their bad intentions to use the globalisation and borderless concepts to rule the world again."

Mahathir also called on the Malays to change their ways of thinking and attitude, and not rely on their special rights to unite and succeed while competing with others.

He warned them that globalisation will take away their special rights and privileges.

"When globalisation reaches us, all government policies to protect the Malay race will be challenged. Issues such as democracy, equal rights, meritocracy and human rights will be used to take away the Malay rights and privileges," reminded Mahathir.

He said there will be Malays who will be 'traitors' and support the 'attacks' by foreigners, thinking that they are being progressive and worldly. He added this attitude is already prevalent today.