Racism issue: Remarks by Tun M do not make sense

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remarks that Malaysian Indians are still not completely loyal to the country do not make sense.

In fact, Persatuan Perpaduan Sejahtera Kebangsaan secretary-general R. Subramaniam said it was not appropriate for an individual considered a statesman to make such remarks that can threaten the unity that has long existed in the country.

"This issue is outdated... Tun's politics, he brings up issues that are no longer relevant. Since independence until now, this issue has been used for political gains. Bringing up this issue will only disrupt national unity, it's as if he has forgotten the Rukun Negara.

"The fact is, we in Malaysia comprise multiracial people living in harmony but there are politicians who inflame racial issues," he told Bernama.

Recently, a news portal reported that Dr Mahathir claimed in an exclusive online interview with an Indian satellite TV channel Thanthi TV that Malaysian Indians were still not completely loyal to the country as they were still 'inexorably tied' to their country of origin.

Social Democratic Organisation (DEMUDA) chief coordinator Alif Naif Mohd Fizam, meanwhile, urged Dr Mahathir to apologise to the whole Indian community because the veteran leader's remarks do not reflect the reality in the country.

He said racism was no longer relevant to be used as political capital and, instead, nation-building should be the main agenda.

"In the nation-building agenda, we should think about how to move forward together as Malaysians, not think of racial politics to divide us. Such thinking will only hinder our efforts together.

"More senior politicians should be able to discuss more about policies and nation-building agendas rather than politics on racism, prejudice and hatred," he said.

Meanwhile, National Council of Professors senior fellow Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong said that, in reality, all parties including Indians have played their respective roles to develop Malaysia together since the country achieved independence.

"In the scope of our economic development, for example, it wasn't just the effort of one party that led to the country being developed so well until now. Even at the beginning of independence, Indians toiled to cultivate rubber plantations, thus supporting the country's economic growth at that time.

"Malay, Chinese or Indian, everyone gave 100 per cent commitment towards Malaysian nation-building. That cannot be denied by anybody," he said.

Teo, who is of the view that it is not wrong for Indians or Chinese to feel attached to their country of origin, said that taking into account Dr Mahathir's standing as a great statesman who has contributed a lot to the country, his remarks should be taken as a piece of advice to empower the development of one Malaysian nation.

"It is not wrong for the Indians or Chinese to feel attached to both countries as the place of origin, the term is primordial, but the value of supporting the national identity as 'Anak Malaysia' (Malaysian) must still be maintained and enhanced.

"This is because, although we achieved independence 67 years ago, it must be acknowledged that until now there are still non-Malay ethnic groups who are not fluent in the national language. So, this matter should be taken seriously to create a Malaysian nation that is united," he said.

-- BERNAMA

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