Sometimes we go the wrong way and we have to turn around, but only if necessary. We are not perfect people. Even angels make mistakes. So when angels make mistakes, they turn around.
— Dr Mahathir Mohamad, after his election victory in 2018
Of late, the Malaysian political landscape has been marred by the divisive and inflammatory statements made by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad against the country’s Indian and Chinese communities.
He accused them of disloyalty and has been advocating for the abandonment of their roots; his remarks have raised concerns about the potential for ethnic and racial tensions in the country.
My opinion this week aims to address the implications of his statements and the need for authorities to intervene to preserve unity and harmony in Malaysia which our past leaders have fought to preserve.
Dr Mahathir has been vocal in asserting that the Indian and Chinese communities in Malaysia are not fully loyal to the country due to their perceived attachment to their countries of origin.
He insists that for true integration, these communities must forsake their roots and embrace Malay language and culture entirely. Such assertions not only disregard the principles of multiculturalism and diversity but also undermine the very foundation upon which Malaysia was built.
Malaysia is comprised of Sarawak and Sabah and not Malaya alone — where the root of extremism, racism and bigotry is now at its zenith; perhaps the authorities are impotent to stop Dr Mahathir because of his standing in society.
The inflammatory nature of the fourth and seventh prime minister demands a strong response from the authorities. The law should be applied rigorously to prevent the propagation of divisive ideologies that could lead Malaysia down a perilous path of ethnic strife. The comparisons drawn with countries like Sri Lanka, Bosnia and various African states serve as a stark warning of the potential consequences of unchecked extremist rhetoric.
The government, through National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, a politician from Sarawak, has expressed disappointment over Dr Mahathir’s remarks. The minister rightly stresses the need for political leaders to refrain from making statements that touch on religious and racial sensitivities. Leaders, he argues, should be exemplary in fostering unity and promoting goodwill among the diverse population of Malaysia.
“I am very disappointed and strongly condemn the statement issued by Dr Mahathir Mohamad. We must learn, understand and take examples from the historical events Malaysia has gone through so that the unity and harmony among the races we feel now can continue.
“Remember, diversity is an advantage and a strength. Malaysians together built the nation. A leader should be an agent of national unity in spreading messages of togetherness.
“The country has been built based on togetherness through the Social Contract, which has brought independence. In the unity of the people of various races, religions, ethnicities and cultures in this country, our forefathers have supported the container of national integration instead of assimilation. Now that it has been more than 60 years since independence, the people still maintain the value of ‘unity in diversity’ as a way of life,” said Aaron last week.
Dr Mahathir, as the founder of Vision 2020 and Bangsa Malaysia, has, unfortunately, betrayed the very principles he championed because of insistence on Malaysians forgetting their roots which contradicts the vision of a united, diverse and harmonious nation.
Moreover, his denial of his own Indian origins raises questions about his commitment to the values he once advocated. The Grand Old Man of Malaysian Politics’ own heritage, traced back to his grandfather’s migration from Malabar, Kerala, to Penang, reveals a mixed lineage.
While he may claim to be 100 per cent Malay, the reality is that he is half-Indian by blood. The fact that he once identified himself as ‘Mahathir s/o Mohamad’ during his application to the Medical Faculty at the University of Malaya in 1948 (in Singapore) highlights the inconsistency in his narrative.
The recent spate of divisive rhetoric from Dr Mahathir is alarming, considering his historical role in shaping Malaysia’s vision for unity and diversity.
What are the authorities waiting for? Waiting for the political asteroid to strike us and destroy the very nation built on trust, unity and tolerance by our forefathers! The authorities must take a decisive stand against such inflammatory statements to prevent further polarisation in the country.
Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity, and leaders should strive to uphold the values of unity, tolerance and inclusivity rather than promoting discord. As the nation grapples with recent political changes and challenges, it is crucial to prioritise national cohesion and reject any narrative that threatens the rich tapestry of Malaysian identity.
Politicians and leaders from Malaya need to take a crash course from Sarawak leaders. PMX Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should get his Cabinet members to sit in during our State Legislative Assembly sittings and experience first-hand the concept of unity, racial and religious tolerance as espoused by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Or approach former Dewan Negara President Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, a constitutional expert and a legal eagle, to explain how Sarawak and Sabah are very successful in uniting the various races.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
