Several DAP leaders and MPs shot down former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s claims that promoting a multiracial Malaysia runs afoul of the Federal Constitution.
Once again accused of being a danger to Malays and Islam, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke described Mahathir's latest allegation that his party was holding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ransom with a demand to make ‘Tanah Melayu’ a multiracial country and turning Malaysia into a nation with no official religion as "baseless".
The Seremban MP said all DAP MPs respect the Federal Constitution, including the position of Islam as the federation's official religion.
“DAP has never and will never question the position of Islam as the federal religion enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said in a statement today.
Loke reminded Mahathir that all of DAP's 42 MPs had also supported the former premier during his 22-month tenure from 2018 until February 2020.
“Has DAP ever withdrawn support from him or threatened his position?
“Since the country achieved independence, Malaysia is known as a multi-racial country that can live together peacefully.
“Did he forget about his vision to give birth to the ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ through Vision 2020? Why is he willing to take a stand today that is so hostile to the multi-racial society in Malaysia?” he questioned.
He also stressed that Malaysia would remain a member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference.
Earlier today, the nonagenarian said it was against the constitution to promote a multiracial nation.
He also claimed that Anwar had to adhere to DAP’s manifesto of making Malaysia a multiracial country and replacing the official religion of Islam with a secular country with no official religion.
‘Take the blame’
Meanwhile, former Klang MP Charles Santiago said that Mahathir should stop trying to reorient the secularism of the Federal Constitution for “quick brownie points”.
“Someone should tell Mahathir that blaming DAP for everything has gone out of fashion.
“He needs to come up with another bogeyman at the risk of looking even more idiotic.
“But I guess he doesn’t care about his image anymore because taking down the prime minister is much more important,” he said, after labelling the former premier as “the ultimate demagogue”.
He added that Mahathir should instead take the blame for letting down the Malays as he was the prime minister for 24 years.
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman also weighed in on the matter, stating that Malaysia’s independence was achieved through the unity of its diverse population, transcending racial and religious boundaries.
“Sabah and Sarawak joined as equal partners, exemplifying our commitment to inclusivity. Today, Malaysians prioritise their shared national identity over any individual ethnic or ancestral homeland.
“Malaysians born today are proud to be called Malaysians first, not Indians or Chinese. Our loyalty lies with Malaysia, a testament to our strength in unity,” he said.
On the other hand, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim called on Mahathir to refer to Article 153(1) of the Federal Constitution that protects "Malay rights" or "bumiputera rights".
The provisions of Article 153(1) of the Federal Constitution enjoin the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this article. - Mkini
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