Veteran newsman schools Waythamoorthy, Maszlee

Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin has trained his guns on Minister in the Prime Minister's Department P Waythamoorthy and Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

According to him, Waythamoorthy's actions with regard to the Sri Maha Mariamman temple incidents do not help strengthen unity and national integration, which fall under his portfolio.

He revealed that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also advised the former Hindraf leader.

“But our prime minister is kind-hearted. Even when he scolds someone, they do not realise it.

“So Waythamoorthy, who has not known him (Mahathir) for a long time, should not be 'gung-ho' and too comfortable with his position,” he added in a blog posting this morning.

Kadir pointed out that Waythamoorthy was made a senator by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and appointed to the cabinet by Mahathir.

“Remember, you were not chosen by the people... Please, don't embarrass the King and our prime minister. If you are dissatisfied, air your comments on this blog,” he added.

As for Maszlee, Kadir said the minister had received a “lecture” from Mahathir.

“I agree with the prime minister that we have plenty of religious schools – government religious schools, state religious schools, private religious schools, 'sekolah pondok' and tahfiz schools – so there is no need to do this in national schools.

“Return national schools to their original objective – a school to unite all races and religions,” he added.

Kadir said someone as wise as Maszlee cannot be ignorant of the fact that many non-Malay parents do not send their children to national schools because they have become more like religious schools.

“On the other hand, many Malay parents send their children to Chinese schools because they want their children to be successful,” he added.

Kadir, who is also the prime minister's media and communication advisor, said that just because he mentioned two names, it does not mean other ministers are doing great work.

“It is just not your turn yet (to be criticised). Think of me as an old teacher who is visiting and is seated in the back of the class observing their (ministers) actions and behaviour,” he added. -Mkini