We just want to 'criticise' Malays, not other groups, says Dr M

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad called out those who had previously tried to prevent him from attending today's Malay Dignity Congress.

Mahathir said the congress was not racist and he was attending in his capacity as a Malay leader to discuss the people's agenda.

Mahathir also said he had attended similar congresses of other races and that no one had stopped him before.

“I am also going to open the Hakka Congress; no Malays will be there.”

"I, as a Malay, would like to participate in this discussion.

"There is no politics, all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and universities are present. They are Malays.

"We are not racist, we are not attacking other people, we only want to give (critical) advice to the Malay community," he said at a press conference held after the congress.

Mahathir said the resolutions at the congress reflected the feelings of the Malays.

The Malay political leaders present at the congress were PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.

On Oct 2, Klang MP Charles Santiago reminded Mahathir that he is the prime minister of all Malaysians and that now was not a suitable time to attend such a race-based event. 

“Mahathir has repeatedly said he is the prime minister for all Malaysians and this is the most opportune moment to make good on that promise. And he is leading Pakatan Harapan which is premised on equality for all,” he added.

Therefore, Charles said the organiser's justification that Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairperson, was attending the congress in his capacity as a Malay leader did not hold water.

On Oct 4, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang (photo) questioned if the four public universities organising the Malay Dignity Conference would hold similar events for the other races.

"Would these four universities be organising a Chinese Malaysian Dignity Congress, Indian Malaysian Dignity Congress, Kadazan Dignity Congress, Dayak Dignity Congress, Orang Asli Dignity Congress and most important of all, a Malaysian Dignity Congress?

"There can only be dignity for Malaysia if every ethnic and religious group enjoys dignity – which would be in keeping with the fundamental principles in the Malaysian Constitution and the Rukunegara," he had said.

Meanwhile, Mahathir today said as the Malay leader of the government it was his responsibility to help his people.

"I am in the government, it is my responsibility to help my people.

"But my people need to be willing to accept the help provided," he said.

Mahathir added that the government could not bolster the dignity of the Malays if the Malays themselves refused to change. - Mkini