Malaysian Indian People Party (MIPP) deputy president S Subramaniam has called for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be investigated over his claim that the Indian and Chinese Malaysian communities are not loyal to the country.
He said in a statement today that Mahathir’s actions are contrary to the Federal Constitution that was agreed upon at the time of the country’s independence and that he deliberately sided with racial sentiments.
“We all know that Dr Mahathir often makes controversial statements to divert people’s attention from the current issues of the country, but the interview with Thanti TV from India is something that really embarrasses our country’s democratic system.
“His statement that the Chinese and Indian communities in our country are not patriotic is not accurate at all. This statement from a former prime minister for 22 years is really embarrassing,” said Subramaniam, echoing the words of Gerakan leader Dominic Lau.
Gerakan is part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which appointed Mahathir as an adviser in the four states that it governs, while MIPP president P Punithan announced last month that the fledgling party would apply to join PN as well.
Lau earlier said he would raise the matter with the coalition’s leadership, which is dominated by PAS and Bersatu.
Self-contradictory
Meanwhile, Subramaniam said Mahathir is contradicting himself in his latest statement.
“I am a Malaysian citizen who was born, grew up, studied, worked, and will eventually die in this country. Now, I can feel and evaluate Mahathir’s treatment towards the Chinese and Indians during his tenure as prime minister.
“Mahathir’s behaviour is really shameful and I am willing to reject my past respect for him, he does not deserve to be considered as a statesperson.
“I’m sure Mahathir’s statement is from the corner of his heart that has been hidden all this time. In fact, it is not the first time that the former prime minister has made statements belittling the Chinese and Indians,” said Subramaniam.
“When he became prime minister for the second time, Mahathir once said that a Malay who speaks English does not mean that he is not Malay enough.
“So, what does he mean now? He used to say that Malays need to master English and are still considered Malaysians, but the Tamil-speaking Indian community is considered disloyal to Malaysia.
“Clearly, he is contradicting himself,” he added.
The MIPP leader said that Mahathir should be investigated under the Sedition Act.
Earlier today Kuala Selangor PKR chief Thiban Subbramaniam lodged a police report against Mahathir for his comments. - Mkini
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