FORMER premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has ignited a verbal sparring with former Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy after extending an invitation for a meeting with National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, following controversial remarks made during an interview with an Indian satellite TV channel Thanti TV
In the interview, Dr Mahathir claimed that Indian Malaysians maintain strong ties with their countries of origin, suggesting a potential lack of complete loyalty to Malaysia.
The former premier went further, asserting that Malaysians should identify primarily as Malay to truly consider the country their own. These remarks have since triggered protests and the filing of police reports.
In a tweet directed at Aaron, Dr Mahathir expressed his belief that Ramasamy is afraid that his alleged racism would be proven and therefore, does not want the meeting to take place.
Dear Aaron,@AaronAgoDagang
Ramasamy is afraid that his racism would be proved.
So, he does not want you to meet me.
I am prepared to meet him even.
But he is scared.
DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Jan 19, 2024 https://t.co/pS9jNCxuAB— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) January 19, 2024
In response, Prof Ramasamy dismissed the notion that he is scared, stating, “It is not that Aaron should not meet Dr Mahathir, but I don’t see the meeting having any purpose.”
Moreover, he raised doubts about whether Dr Mahathir would abandon his alleged racist views following the meeting, asserting that Dr Mahathir’s reputation as a known racist is already widely acknowledged.
“Dr Mahathir is a known racist, everybody knows. There is no need to prove anymore.”
“As I have said before, Dr Mahathir calling me a racist has, beyond doubt, proven that I am doing the right thing. Coming from a proven arch-nationalist, it is an honour for me. What is the purpose of meeting him? Why should I be scared of meeting him? Childishness has its limits,” Ramasamy further expressed. – Jan 19, 2023
Main photo credit: 1Malaysia
