Why is Dr Mahathir Mohamad saying promoting Malaysia as a multiracial country is unconstitutional?
In Malaysian's eyes, his statement is a deliberate shot at Anwar Ibrahim's 'unity' government and Mahathir’s attempt to promote the "Malay Proclamation" in defence of e Malay ethnic rights.
In a Twitter posting, Dr Mahathir had responded to Umno Bukit Gelugor information chief Mohd Huzaidi Mohd Hussin's calls for him to stop playing up racial sentiments.
"I am just voicing what was stated in the Federal Constitution. It's not against the law to defend the Constitution. But what is against the Constitution is promoting the country as a multiracial country," he wrote in the tweet.
When my friends tell me that Mahathir has gone senile, my reply is we will all get to that age one day.
Some say he’s gone cuckoo – I say tell me a time when we have not gone cuckoo. After losing his deposit in the Langkawi constituency, Mahathir is frustrated and is playing up the “Malay proclamation” as state elections will soon be at our doorstep. Why? Because after being Prime Minister for 24 years, twice, his ego cannot take it that he is currently a loser, as he did not win his Member of Parliament seat.
Tun, be warned police will take action on anyone who plays up racial issues.
The police will take stern action against political parties that touch on issues involving religion, royalty, and race (3R) in the upcoming state elections. Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said political parties contesting are reminded not to play up sensitive issues during the campaign, especially on the 3R.
Let's be fair, as Mahathir has touched 97 years and still blabbering and forgetting what he has said in support of multiracial Malaysia and its Constitution.
Here are Dr Mahathir's quotes that he can reflect on his thoughts that going multiracial is unconstitutional. The extracts from the past appear to contradict his belief that multiracialism is unconstitutional.
January 6, 2014 - Astroawani
Malaysia is a truly multiracial country. It is truly so because Malaysians retain their identification with their countries of origin. Dr M: 'In multiracial Malaysia, ethnicity is recognised as legitimate and proper'
January 28, 2014 - Dinmerican
Malaysians, be they Malays, Chinese, Indians or the native of Sabah and Sarawak, must banish the idea of racial dominance from their minds. This country must be shared and shared fairly by all races.
The Independent Singapore - January 15, 2018
Dr Mahathir explains the formula for prosperity
Herald Malaysia Online - July 6, 2018
Dr Mahathir: Malaysia has to preserve unique multi-cultural values
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants Malaysia's young citizens to forget about racial origins and simply think of themselves as "pure Malaysians". In a recent interview with Channel NewsAsia, he was asked what he could promise millennials about Malaysia in the years to come.
New Straits Times - October 25, 2019
Forget about racial origins, young citizens urged
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants Malaysia's young citizens to forget about racial origins and think of themselves as "pure Malaysians".
In the KOMAS Malaysian Racism Report 2022, on "How Bad Are Things Looking?" Dr Ryan Chua, Programme Director Pusat KOMAS, said: "We are hopeful that the new Malaysian MADANI government, political and public leaders could demonstrate an unequivocal political will and commitment to address the issue of race and religion that has plagued our country for decades. Immediate efforts need to be taken by the MADANI government to ensure that the social fabric that binds us together does not collapse. We hope the new Government will demonstrate genuine actions to ensure that all Malaysians are treated equally and with dignity."
Several DAP leaders and MPs shot down former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claims that promoting a multiracial Malaysia runs afoul of the Federal Constitution.
Freelance Writer M.Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, associate professor and undercover journalist. M. Krishnamoorthy is a media coach, associate professor, and journalist who worked and freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.
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