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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright January 2024
The question of Tun Mahathir's identity has long been a topic of debate, centring around his lineage and the constitutional definition of being Malay.
While his ancestry traces back to Iskandar Kutty from Kerala, India, it is essential to acknowledge that Mahathir grew up in a Malay community, married a local Malay woman, and has embraced Malay culture throughout his life.
The term "Mamak" refers to individuals of Tamil Muslim origin living in Malaysia and Singapore.
“Dr Mahathir’s ancestry can be traced to one Iskandar Kutty from Kerala, India. Iskandar was a Tamil Muslim who migrated to Malaya and later settled down in the country after marrying a local Malay woman, Siti Hawa, from Johor.”
Later, his son, Tun Mahathir's father, adopted the name Mohamad Iskandar with the name Kutty dropped. But Tun Mahathir's mother, Wan Tempawan Wan Hanafi, and grandmother Siti Hawa, are both from respectable Malay families.
In the Malay culture, lineage traditionally follows the father's side. Despite marrying a local Malay woman, Mahathir's Mamak identity is rooted in his grandfather's migration from India.
However, one must consider the complexity of identity and cultural nuances
In Malay-Muslim culture, during the last rites, when the talkin is read, Tun Mahathir will be known as son of not his father but his mother Wan Tempawan, who is a Malay If you were to take the argument down that road, Tun Mahathir's father died as a Muslim Malay, and so would his son.
Constitutionally, Mahathir is recognized as Malay. The Federal Constitution defines a Malay as someone who is Muslim, speaks Malay, and is culturally Malay.
The constitution may define him as Malay, but the complex interplay of identity, cultural ties, and historical background can not be overlooked.
In conclusion, Mahathir is constitutionally recognised as Malay but technically a Mamak by lineage. However, Tun Mahathir is more a Malay than a Mamak. He is more so than one of his most ardent opponents who was born in Java from Javanese parentage. But that's an issue for another column.
Our discussion has highlighted the intricate nature of identity, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding that goes beyond rigid definitions and embraces the diversity that shapes Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry.
So, can we put this issue to bed and move on to focus on more important matters that relate to the development and unity of the country rather than endlessly nickpicking on each other's lineage?
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