Ex-PM Dr Mahathir in hot water over comments on Malaysian Indians

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is facing backlash after making untoward comments towards Malaysian Indians. 

In an interview with Thanthi TV, a Tamil news channel in Chennai, Mahathir said that Malaysian Chinese and Indians are not completely loyal to the country. 

"Not completely," said Mahathir. "They want to identify themselves with their countries of origin." 

During the interview, Mahathir said Malaysia belongs to the people who founded the country, and that all races should identify as Malays.

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This comes in the form of total assimilation with the Malay culture and the expectation that Indian and Chinese citizens have to speak the national language, Bahasa Melayu, at home instead of their mother tongue, according to Mahathir. 

He added that other races such as Pakistanis, Arabs and Africans have moved to Malaysia and identified as Malays by adopting the culture.

When the interviewer pointed out that his views are discriminatory and go against the Constitution as it denies Indians their rights to identify with their own race and religion, Mahathir said that they have certain rights, but that they "cannot claim that this country belongs to them." 

The interviewer later asked if the former prime minister is proud of his Indian roots. To which, Mahathir denied being Indian as he has "no knowledge of the Indian language" and is "100% a Malay" as he speaks Malay and practices Malay customs and traditions. 

The interview has sparked online controversy, with critics accusing Mahathir of fostering division rather than promoting unity and harmony.

One such critic is the National Unity Minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, who released a statement emphasising the responsibility of political leaders to be role models for unity. 

"I am very disappointed and strongly condemn the statement issued by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad who claimed that the Malaysian Indian community is not completely loyal to this country because they are still tied to their country of origin," said Dagang. 

"As a statesman who has built this nation together, he should be an agent of national unity in spreading messages of togetherness," said Dagang. "Remember, diversity is an advantage and a strength." 

Deputy president of Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) party Amira Aisya said that Mahathir should apologise for his comments. This is especially since it is not the first time his speech has "attacked and humiliated Malaysians." 

Amira added that accusing the Indian community of being disloyal to the country could be misused by extremist groups and that Malaysians' loyalty to the country should not be underestimated. 

"The more appropriate question to ask is, does Mahathir want to take care of the country or does he want to see the people divided?" said Amira. "I refute, reject and criticise Mahathir's speech. As a Tun, Mahathir should be more responsible." 

Political figures are not the only ones receiving backlash for racism. In November last year, luxury publication Prestige Malaysia came under fire for cultural appropriation. 

The publication held its annual ball with the theme 'I dream of India' where attendees dressed up in costumes inspired by the Indian culture. Netizens called the publication out for the theme, noting that there was a clear lack of Indian representation at the event. 

"In light of recent feedback, we wanted to acknowledge the valid concerns raised," Prestige said in a statement posted to Instagram. "The feedback does not reflect the culture we have built to maintain across our company, that spans across five countries with over 15 nationalities. 

Prestige also addressed claims that Indians were not present at the event by saying that there were in fact members of the Indian community in attendance but that they were not captured in event coverage. 

"We apologise and remain committed to educating ourselves, fostering cultural awareness, and ensuring our future endeavours uphold the principles of respect and inclusivity," it added. 

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