FORMER Klang MP Charles Santiago has slammed former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for making racially insensitive remarks made at a press conference yesterday (June 28).
Charles was referring to Dr Mahathir’s claim that the non-Malays wanted to change the country’s name and ‘ownership’, and that there were alleged attempts to shift Malaysia from a ‘Tanah Melayu’ into a multiracial country, by those from other countries.
“Need a 101 guide on how to desperately try to be relevant? Look no further than Dr Mahathir assertion’s on vague foreigners trying to change the country’s name,” the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman said through a series of tweets lambasting the former Langkawi MP for trying to ‘stay relevant’.
He said if anything, it is Dr Mahathir who is trying to distort history.
“The non-Malays have contributed equally to the development of this country. They were offered citizenship which they accepted,” Charles stressed.
“Every Malaysian therefore has equal rights to this country as it is ours. Malaysia does not belong to a select few.
“Dr Mahathir is spinning a yarn to shore up support for his new mates ahead of the state elections, however the venom he is spewing is hate speech and could potentially be explosive.”
Charles added that Malaysia is a multi-racial country, a land made up of migrants and melting pot of different cultures & traditions, which is a unique element that distinguishes Malaysia.
“It is therefore, totally unbecoming of Dr Mahathir to stir racial tension, but it is not surprising.
“The rhetoric clearly shows one thing of how dangerous and divisive Mahathir is to our country. He ought to be ashamed of himself,” he said.
The explosive remarks made by Dr Mahathir yesterday (June 28) further prompted Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to advise the nonagenarian to stop bringing up the old politics of division.
The former youth and sports minister said Malaysians of all races and religions loved their home country equally and wanted the nation to become developed and governed well.
According to the former prime minister, some non-Malays refused to identify Malays as the country’s founders, residents, and constructors.
“How arrogant are those who come here, whom we have made into citizens, to demand that the name of our country be changed, turned into a multiracial country?” he said during the press conference in Sepang yesterday (June 28). – June 29, 2023
