KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has condemned remarks by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad alleging the disloyalty of Malaysian Indians to the country, urging him to be a unifying force instead of sowing division.
Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said he was deeply disappointed and strongly condemned Dr Mahathir’s remarks in an interview with a South Indian satellite TV channel recently.
“He as a statesman who has built this nation should instead be an agent of national unity in spreading messages of togetherness,” Aaron said in a statement this evening.
“I urge everyone, including politicians, not to make statements that touch on the sensitivities of race and religion, which can also stir hate.
“Political leaders should be role models in instilling unity and harmony,” he added.
Dr Mahathir in an interview with Thanthi TV had not only referred to Malaysian Indians and Chinese as immigrants, but also stated that they should not call themselves Malaysians unless they identify as Malays.
He also said Malaysian Indians do not speak Malay as their mother tongue, do not practise Malay culture, customs or traditions, and thus should not refer to Malaysia as their home country.
The two-time prime minister considered it a “problem” when “immigrants” (Indians and Chinese) claimed the country as their own while practising their own cultures and customs.
Aaron disputed this, saying Malaysia had always recognised and celebrated unity in diversity.
“This country was built on a social contract that brought about independence. In uniting people of different races, religions and cultures, our founding fathers supported integration rather than assimilation.
“Sixty years later, the country still upholds unity in diversity,” the minister said.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago earlier today said Dr Mahathir’s remarks were potentially harmful to Malaysia’s multiracial society, and called for action to be taken against the veteran politician.
“Dr Mahathir should be ashamed of himself for such venom. Action must be taken against him for such divisive statements that are potentially harmful in this multiracial society.
“He knows this is incitement. He is also encouraging bigotry and hate. But he doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions,” Santiago said. – January 13, 2024