Dr Mahathir Mohamad today called on Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders to change their socialist way of thinking and cease their continued criticism of the capitalist system.
The prime minister said the government of the day was made up of those who had been in the opposition for more than 60 years, and some of them behaved as though they were still the opposition.
Among those in the government, there are still those who are socialist in their outlook and regard businessmen as capitalists who should be opposed because (to them) they are a menace who oppress workers and the people, he said when addressing the Johor state leaders retreat on Thursday (Feb 28).
“When we become the government, we can no longer condemn the capitalistic system, because it is this system that has enriched the nation.
“They are the ones who invest their capital, set up businesses and industries, provide employment and pay taxes.”
Dr Mahathir said it was crucial for the government to view businesses and investors as “friends and partners”.”We need to help and enable them to succeed,” he said, adding that successful businesses would translate to higher revenue for the government.