PETALING JAYA: A new video featuring Dr Mahathir Mohamad released in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka celebrations shows the prime minister fielding questions from a group of youth on the meaning of independence.
In the four-minute video released today, the veteran statesman is seen speaking with the teenagers during a stroll in the park.
He says Merdeka means allowing the people to determine their own fate, including choosing their government.
“This is very different from the colonial era where we had no say in the country’s administration,” he says.
“Everything was decided by the colonisers and they worked for their own interests, not ours.”
When asked about the hardest part of being the prime minister, he says it is avoiding hurting the sensitivities of racial groups.
“Our country is made up of different races. We have to be careful when we say something,” he says.
“What we do, what we say (must not) lead to racist feelings emerging.”
When asked by one of the teenagers if he feels the country is truly independent, Mahathir smiles and says yes.
While the people may be influenced by foreigners, he says, they still retain their Malaysian characteristics.
Before parting ways with the youth, Mahathir urges them to be aware of the situation in the country, especially the fact that it is a multiracial nation.
He says ties between the races must be strengthened, and people must avoid intentionally hurting the sensitivities of others.
He then takes a selfie with the group before walking away alone. -FMT
The video:
-courtesy of FB
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