After PM reveals his hardest task, Zaid issues 'Trump' warning

As far as politicians are concerned, decisions on issues concerning race and religion are based on practical considerations to ensure their positions are not threatened.

Agreeing that being practical is essential for a politician, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, however, stressed that core principles must not be sacrificed.

“Otherwise, you are [US President] Donald Trump. You become a destroyer, not a creator of peace and stability,” he told Malaysiakini this afternoon.

“We are a nation struggling to have an identity and seeking unity. Strong principled leaders are required,” he added.

He was commenting on a Merdeka video featuring Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in which the latter stated that managing racial sensitivities is the most difficult part of his job.

Zaid said he can understand the 94-year-old leader's predicament with regard to leading a multiracial and multireligious nation.

“We know that some groups manufacture outrage to justify their actions,” he added.

According to Zaid, it would be useful if the nation's leaders objectively determine what are the permissible limits for Malaysians, especially the minorities, to say or do things as citizens.

“Unless we recognise and agree on what they can do, we will always be subject to the whims of the majority.

“A responsible government protects minorities with equal vigour as they protect the majority,” added the DAP member.

In the four-minute video clip released yesterday, Mahathir fielded questions from a group of teenagers regarding Merdeka.

Among others, the prime minister said it is important that actions and words do not lead to racist feelings between the different communities in Malaysia.

Yesterday, DAP Lim Kit Siang also rued how racial and religious insecurities have heightened, leaving nation-building in a conundrum.

The veteran politician, who blamed this on an orchestrated campaign of fake news and hate speeches, also asked if he should quit and forget about the creation of a New Malaysia. - Mkini