Amid calls for Dr Mahathir Mohamad not to officiate the Malay Dignity Congress, the minister tasked with overseeing national unity, sees nothing wrong with the event nor the prime minister's presence.
“Not a problem,” P Waythamoorty told reporters in Putrajaya this afternoon when asked if the congress is not conducive for national unity.
“The congress will be attended by the prime minister. As the head of the nation, he is attending the congress to address the Malay community. So, no problem,” he added.
Yesterday, former minister Zaid Ibrahim and DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago said Mahathir should not attend the conference.
Both also disagreed with the organiser's justification that Mahathir, who is Bersatu chairperson, would be present in his capacity as a Malay leader and not as prime minister.
Meanwhile, PAS advised Pakatan Harapan leaders not to sow the seeds of divisiveness with their comments regarding the congress.
Party deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (photo) also argued that the congress has nothing to do with racism.
“Why the need to exacerbate the situation when all the stakeholders with regard to Malay interests are discussing their own fate? Is this considered racism?” he asked in a statement this afternoon.
Tuan Ibrahim said the congress' objective is not based on current sentiments but rather premised on the realisation that the fate of Muslims in Malaysia must be championed.
“This is the reason PAS is sending representatives for the congress to strengthen the ummah and enhance ties in this multiracial nation.
“PAS considers the congress a significant platform to hold serious discussions on the position of the Malays and Islam without being influenced by political interests,” he added.
Tuan Ibrahim also cited several focal points for congress.
“The first is the commitment from all (present) to defend the sanctity of Islam in Malaysia. Second, to strengthen the pillars of the Federal Constitution.
“Third, to craft a constructive solution to resolve economic and business challenges, stand on affirmative action, social ills, education and culture,” he added.
On Tuesday, PAS said its president Abdul Hadi Awang would attend the congress at Stadium Malawati in Shah Alam on Sunday.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who received an invitation as well, has not confirmed his attendance.
The congress is organised by four public universities - Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM). - Mkini
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