The unity government strongly denounced Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's recent statement in which he questioned the allegiance of Malaysia's Indian and Chinese communities to the country.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim condemned Dr. Mahathir's comments during an interview with a Chennai-based Indian satellite television program as irresponsible for a politician who has twice served as the country's prime minister.
According to the New Straits Times, the prime minister also considered that Dr. Mahathir's words were intended to divert public attention away from the current administration's ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
"His statement is irrelevant. It is irresponsible for Dr. Mahathir to make such a remark, especially as a former prime minister who has served the country for quite some time," he told reporters after launching the Artificial Intelligence Untuk Rakyat initiative here today.
Anwar went on to say that it was unacceptable for Dr. Mahathir to humiliate anyone, regardless of whether they represented the majority or minority of the country's population.
He is known to make such statements, claiming that all Malays are indolent except for himself. Malaysian Indians and Chinese are disloyal unless they are his pals.
“Perhaps this is his attempt to divert the attention of Malaysians to the government's efforts to eradicate corruption and uphold good governance in the country.”
Following Dr. Mahathir's statement, Anwar urged Malaysians to develop togetherness and respect one another.
"Let us work together and work for a common goal," he told the crowd.
Earlier in his statement at the ceremony, Anwar urged the people, particularly the younger generation, to reject politicians who have antiquated notions that will only damage the country.
"Some past leaders are attempting to cover up their wrongdoings by disparaging the people, calling Malays lazy, and even saying that Chinese and Indians are not loyal to the country.
“This is 'lapok' (old fashioned) thinking that will only ruin the country.”
Anwar went on to say, “I hope the people, particularly the younger generation, do not entertain leaders with this damaged way of thinking.”
"Let us focus on elevating the dignity of the nation," he went on to say.
During a recent interview with Thanthi TV, Dr. Mahathir stated that Malaysian Indians and Chinese are not loyal to the country since they desire to identify with their places of origin.
"There are those who identify as Indian or Chinese. "They don't speak the local language at all," Dr. Mahathir was quoted as saying.
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