Global Courant
PETALING JAYA – Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has questioned whether it is unconstitutional to promote a multi-racial country.
He said this is because the federal constitution has never stated that Malaysia is a multi-racial country.
“I am only discussing the provisions of the Constitution. Is it against the law to defend the constitution?
“What is against the constitution instead is promoting a multiracial country.
“Is the government going against the rule of law – including the constitution – which does not mention that Malaysia is a multi-racial country? Instead, the constitution emphasizes a Malay-Malaysia,” Dr Mahathir said in a statement Monday.
Dr. Mahathir responded to a call from Mr. Huzaidi Husin, Umno information chief for Bukit Gelugor in Penang, to stop inciting racist sentiment, and in his response also took a swipe at the current position of the cabinet.
“Yes, DAP (Democratic Action Party) has only four ministers. But within the government there are 40 DAP MPs. If the DAP were to withdraw its support, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government would collapse,” said Dr. Mahathir, referring to Malaysia’s current prime minister.
“Therefore, Anwar should follow DAP’s manifesto, specifically make a multi-racial Tanah Melayu and replace the official religion of Islam with a secular country and a country with no official religion.”
On June 16, Mr. Huzaidi said it was pointless for Dr. Mahathir to stir up racial sentiment as most of the Malays are more anxious for the country’s economy to recover.
Huzaidi also denied that the DAP had significant influence within the government, as the party has only four ministers.
“Enough of manipulating Malays by playing off racial issues for power and positions,” Huzaidi said.
Dr. Mahathir served as prime minister twice – from 1981 to 2003 and from 2018 to 2020 – and resigned both times. He lost his parliamentary seat from Langkawi in the 2022 general election. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
