Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Indian Malaysians to ignore remarks made by extremists in the country.
He also said the government will continue championing the rights of all Malaysians, with no one left behind.
“One can criticise but don’t listen to the arguments of extreme racial groups that go too far in our country, regardless whether they are Malay, Chinese, or Indian - I don’t care,” New Straits Times reported him as saying.
Anwar was addressing more than 1,000 attendees of the National Ponggal Festival 2024.
On Jan 13, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad accused Indian Malaysians of not being completely loyal to Malaysia, adding the latter were still identifying themselves with their ancestral nation.
Speaking to an Indian satellite TV channel Thanthi TV, Mahathir said one should identify as Malay to have the right to call the country their own.
His views courted brickbats from various quarters, with DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng calling Mahathir’s statement seditious and extremist, adding the leader was taking a dangerous line.
On Jan 16, Anwar himself mocked Mahathir for his views, saying the latter is known to label the non-Malays as disloyal except for some of his cronies.
“He is known for that… All Malays are lazy, except for himself.
“It’s irresponsible for a former prime minister for many years to say such things, to insult any race.
“We strongly oppose his statement,” the Tambun MP was reported as saying. - Mkini
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