PETALING JAYA: National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang has joined the chorus of criticism against Dr Mahathir Mohamad for saying Indians are not “completely loyal to Malaysia” in a recent interview.
Aaron said the former prime minister had contributed to building the nation and that a statesman like him should be spreading messages of unity and togetherness.
“I urge all sections of society, including political leaders, not to make any statements that touch on religious and ethnic sensitivities, as it can cause hatred. Political leaders should serve as role models in fostering unity, harmony, and a sense of togetherness,” he said in a statement.
The minister said Malaysians should learn and draw inspiration from the historical events that the nation has gone through to preserve national unity.
He added that the nation’s forefathers had worked hard to integrate the different ethnicities, religions and cultures in Malaysia. “This country was built on the basis of togetherness through the social contract which led to our independence,” he said. “Remember, our diversity is an advantage and strength.”
Mahathir’s remarks were made in a recent interview with Thanthi TV, a Tamil news channel based in Chennai, India.
He said Indians in Malaysia must remember they were Malaysians more than they are immigrants from other countries.
He reportedly claimed that Malaysian Indians want to identify themselves with their country of origin but should instead fully assimilate and “become Malay”.
While Mahathir agreed when the interviewer pointed out that the Federal Constitution enshrines the rights of all minorities, he said that while Malaysian Indians “have certain rights, they cannot claim that this country belongs (to them)”.
Mahathir, a former chairman of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, drew brickbats from two former MPs from DAP, who said Mahathir should be ashamed of himself. - FMT
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