"Disgrace" — M'sians Refute Mahathir's Claim That Non-Malays Are Not Loyal To Country
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed that Malaysian Chinese and Indians should assimilate into Malay culture if they wish to identify themselves as Malaysians.
By Melissa Alvina - 15 Jan 2024, 05:27 AM
Cover image via Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has claimed that the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia are "not completely loyal" to the country
Mahathir said this during a recent interview with Chennai-based news channel Thanthi TV, with the 30-minute segment uploaded to YouTube on 13 January.
Speaking to interview host Hariharan SA, who posed the former premier questions on his recent controversial comments on the country's ethnic minorities, Mahathir insinuated the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia lack loyalty to the country as they still identify strongly with their respective countries of origin.
Mahathir also claimed that both communities often do not speak the local language, have their own schools, and form political parties based on their ethnic backgrounds rather than forming a unified Malaysian party.
In response, the host argued that, while culturally, individuals from these communities may maintain ties with their respective countries of origin, on a national level, they identify as Malaysians.
"Why should they be ashamed of their roots? Why should they forget their roots?" Hariharan asked.
Mahathir said for them to truly be Malaysians, they must prioritise their Malaysian identity over their "status as immigrants from other countries".
Image via Thanthi TV (YouTube)
Mahathir also asserted that non-Malays should assimilate into the Malay culture if they wish to identify as Malaysians
He argued that the constitution designates Malaysia as a Malay country, and therefore, non-Malays should adopt the culture and traditions of the nation rather than adhering to their own origins or practices.
The host then inquired whether Mahathir expected Malaysian Indians and Chinese to fully assimilate by abandoning their religions and practices to emulate Malays.
In response, Mahathir affirmed that assimilation was indeed his expectation. He also gave examples of individuals of Indian, Arab, and European origin who, according to him, have become fully Malay by adopting the language, culture, and traditions of the Malays.
However, the host pointed out that the constitution guarantees the right to practice other religions in peace and harmony, and forbids discrimination based on religion, descent, place of birth, or gender.
"Are you not discriminating and going against the constitution by making these statements?" asked the host.
Mahathir defended his stance by asserting, "If one claims to belong to this country, they must identify themselves with the indigenous people."
Image via Thanthi TV (YouTube)
Subsequently, when he was asked to convey a message to the Indian community in Malaysia, he stated, "Forget about India and consider yourselves as Malaysians"
"All of them do [consider themselves as Malaysians], don't you think so?" inquired Hariharan.
"No. Some of them are good Malaysians as they speak only Malay and practice Malay customs and traditions. So, they are accepted," responded Mahathir.
Following that, Hariharan brought up Ananda Krishnan, a Malaysian businessman, who contributed to Malaysia but does not identify as Malay.
"He has not become Malay; he is a Malaysian and also Indian," said Hariharan.
However, Mahathir argued that individuals like Ananda Krishnan have been compensated for their contributions, as they have become wealthy in Malaysia. He asserted that Malaysia provides such opportunities.
The host then questioned Mahathir, who seemed to suggest a perception of two classes of citizens in Malaysia — Malays and another class that is given compensation. He asked if this was the right way to treat citizens.
Mahathir defended his stance, stating, "As long as they don't claim this as their country. If they want to, they have to behave like Malaysians and be 100% Malaysians."
Image via Reuters/The Edge
In response to Mahathir's assertion, many Malaysians expressed disagreement and refuted his claim in the comment section
"I used to respect him. This interview clearly shows he is being senile. We Malaysian Indians are proud Malaysians [and] at that same time, proud of our roots. He is mad, asking the Hindus to convert to Malay," commented one user.
"The ex-Malaysian PM (couldn't even keep his eyes open). He is a disgrace. Excellent questioning by the interviewer from Thanthi TV. I hope the best for him," wrote another.
Image via Thanthi TV (YouTube)
Another user said, "Don't have to practise Malay culture to be Malaysian. I (have been living) overseas for almost 30 years.
"When we Malaysians meet up, especially Chinese and Indians, we speak in Malay. I wonder how Mahathir can understand our situation. Furthermore, we cook nasi lemak and rendang".
Image via Thanthi TV (YouTube)
