‘Mahathir is just covering his wrongdoings’

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to task over the latter’s claim that Indians in Malaysia are not “completely loyal to Malaysia”.

“There are former leaders who are trying to cover their wrongdoings by insulting the people, Malays and even (by claiming) the Chinese and Indians are not loyal to the country,” Anwar said, stopping short of naming Mahathir outright, in his speech at an event in Universiti Putra Malaysia.

“Such outdated views will destroy the country. I hope the people, especially the younger generation, will not entertain such views,” reported FMT.

Mahathir, in a recent interview with Thanthi TV claimed that ethnic Indians cannot claim to be Malaysians as they are not loyal to the nation.

He referred to the fact that Indians practiced their own culture and language instead of using the national language.

Many politicians, especially from the Indian community, have criticised Mahathir for that.

Deputy Minister in Prime Minister’s Department M Kulasegaran is reported to have said that Mahathir made the remark to ensure his relevance.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo meanwhile said that diversity is the one element that strengthened Malaysians.