PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today took Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to task over his recent remarks accusing non-Malay citizens of not being loyal to Malaysia, describing the assertion made in an interview as damaging to the fabric of the country.
Describing Mahathir’s claim as irresponsible, he said that such remarks should not have been issued by a topmost figure who once governed the country, serving as prime minister for the longest time.
“I consider the statement to be very irrelevant and we strongly object to it,” he said.
“These are outdated thoughts that will damage our country. I hope the people, especially the younger generation, do not accept this impaired thinking because we are focused on raising the honour of our country," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the “AI for the People” programme at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang today.
In an interview with Thanthi TV, a channel based in India, Dr Mahathir had alleged that the Indian and Chinese communities in Malaysia do not identify as being Malaysian because they still harbour loyalty to “their countries of origin”.
On this, Anwar said that one should not insult any race, whether in the majority or minority.
“He is certainly famous (for making such comments). To him, Malays are lazy, except for himself,” Anwar said.
“He considers Indians and Chinese as disloyal, except for the few who are his cronies.
“For me, all citizens who are loyal should be respected, whatever their race.”
Anwar added that the strength of all the people should be harnessed in the process of uplifting the nation.
“This is an attempt to distract our gaze from the fight to be rid of corruption, for good governance, digital and energy transformation. These are our focus,” he said.
FTPA not urgently required
Commenting on the proposal for a “Fixed Term Parliament Act” (FTPA), which would ensure an elected government serves fully until the end of a parliamentary term, he said that the law is not urgent.
The proposal has not yet been discussed among party leaders in the unity government, he added.
Although it is still too early to decide on initiating such a law, the government will still conduct a study on the proposal.
Asked to comment on the threat of the “Dubai Move”, a supposed opposition attempt to take over the government through defections, Anwar said that he does not regard it as anything serious.
“This is just a ruse of the opposition which is quite desperate,” he said.
He stressed that he has not commented much on the matter as it is a baseless conspiracy. – The Vibes, January 16, 2024
