Mohamad said Malay politics had significantly changed over the years and is now dominated by what he described as “toxic politics”, marked by slander, hatred, and insults.

“It has destroyed the core values that drive us to engage in politics and support the ideals of political movements,” he said in launching the general assembly of Umno’s Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings tonight.

Mohamad, who is fondly known as Tok Mat, said Malays must be made aware that “toxic politics” would not benefit anyone but only deepen existing divisions within the community.

“It will inflict severe damage on the culture and conduct of Malay politics,” he said.

“In fact, it has degraded the standards and ethics of Malay politics to the lowest level.”

As such, Mohamad called upon the party to fight against the growing issue with reason and constructive solutions.

“The future of Umno depends heavily on the party’s effectiveness in combating toxic politics,” he said.

He urged Umno’s Wanita, Youth, and Puteri delegates to address and explore strategies for combating toxic politics in tomorrow’s debate session.

“Put forward proposals and motions to tackle this issue. We need a concrete strategy. If there are laws that need to be amended, suggest the necessary changes.”