Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's assertion that Malaysia belongs exclusively to the Malays has been criticized by Sabah rights activist Datuk James Ligunjang. Ligunjang, a former state assemblyman, contends that Malaysia's identity is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of migration throughout Southeast Asia, challenging the notion that the country is "owned" by any specific ethnic group.
Ligunjang highlights the diverse heritage of the Malaysian Malay population, tracing its roots to regions such as Aceh, Java, Sulawesi, and other parts of Indonesia, as well as Pattani in Southern Thailand. He emphasizes that this cultural blending is integral to the Malaysian identity, as articulated by figures like Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who identified himself as Javanese in an interview with an Indonesian TV network.
The mosaic of Malaysia's citizenry, Ligunjang asserts, includes descendants of Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, and Thai origins, among others. He underscores that indigenous tribes in Sabah and Sarawak, along with the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia, are considered the original inhabitants of the land. Given this historical movement and settlement, Ligunjang argues that the notion of exclusive ownership by those identifying as Malay lacks substantial grounding.
The activist urges a recognition of Malaysia's narrative as one of pluralism and shared heritage, shaped by centuries of migration and intermingling. Emphasizing the need to celebrate the country's diversity, Ligunjang calls for Malaysians to unite under a common purpose, embracing their plurality.
Dr. Mahathir recently faced criticism for suggesting in an interview with a Tamil news channel that Malaysian Indians were not entirely loyal to the country due to their identification with their country of origin. He further asserted that one must identify as Malay to claim ownership of the country, advocating for non-Malays to fully assimilate and "become Malay."
In response to the backlash, Dr. Mahathir expressed readiness to meet with National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. Aaron, in a post on social media, stated that his ministry is willing to engage with Dr. Mahathir if he continues to raise sensitive issues that may disrupt racial harmony. The exchange underscores the ongoing dialogue and tensions surrounding the interpretation of Malaysian identity, diversity, and the role of different ethnic groups in the nation's narrative.
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