DPM: Zahid's remarks about non-Malay loyalty not overboard but better he explains

PENAMPANG — It is best if Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi clarifies his remarks on military intake he made in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday as some quarters have taken exception to it, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today.

The deputy prime minister said this was needed to rectify the situation.

“I have not read (about what he said) or was in Parliament then but from the reaction of various quarters, perhaps is best Datuk Zahid explain his remarks and stand on the matter.

“As for us, we do not see it that way, even if there is a lack of participation (of non-Malays in the armed forces), I think we should not question the loyalty of citizens, be they Malays, Chinese or Indians... maybe there are other reasons,” he told reporters after opening Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) congress here today.

Muhyiddin said this when asked to comment on the reactions of various political leaders including several opposition MPs who deemed Zahid’s remarks to have no basis, insensitive and smacked of racism.

“If the remarks are overboard... that I am not sure. No problems apologising... people make mistakes and I too have said sorry when I was wrong,” he said.

Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid had issued a media statement saying his reply in Parliament about the low participation of non-Malays in the military was based on research done on the matter.

He denied having been insensitive or had questioned the loyalty and integrity of non-Malays, as had been claimed by certain groups.

He said he had never made statements that questioned the patriotism of non-Malays nor intended to do so. — Bernama