Tun M has once again shaken the nation with his controversial racist remarks towards Indians and Chinese in Malaysia.
Tun M said in a recent interview with the Indian satellite TV program Thanthi TV that Malaysian Indians aren't completely loyal to Malaysia.
The former Prime Minister stated that one should adapt to Malay and that Malaysian Indians not only speak Tamil more, but Bahasa Melayu is also not their primary language.
"They want to identify themselves with their countries of origin," said Tun M.
“Some people consider themselves Indian or Chinese. They don't speak the local language at all. They have their schools, language, and culture.”
Dr. M believes that this condition complicates the absorption process. He then provided another example, saying, "There are people of many different origins in the USA who have forgotten their language, who speak only English, and who do not claim to be citizens except in America," explained Tun M.
Dr. Mahathir was also asked if Malaysian Indians and Chinese should abandon their religions and customs to assimilate as Malays.
“Yes. Many of them have done this. Those of Indian, Arab, and even European descent who are now entirely Malay since they speak Malay all the time and follow Malay traditions and practices.”
The host, however, emphasized that Malaysian Indians and Chinese are devoted to their country, to which Mahathir said, “not completely.”
When the host informed Dr. Mahathir that the Federal Constitution allows people of different races in their country to practice their race and religion, the former said, “The Constitution does not say that they should set up their party confined only to their people.”
Dr. Mahathir was also questioned about why he did not address this problem when Umno was in a political alliance with the MIC and MCA while he was the party's president.
"Yes, under my leadership, I am prepared to work with other people but not prepared to accept them as the owners of this country," the president stated.
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