"Anwar's Swipe at Dr M: "Nothing New" as Loyalty Remarks Spark Tension"

"Anwar's Swipe at Dr M: "Nothing New" as Loyalty Remarks Spark Tension"



Image credit: Focusmalaysia


Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has responded to former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's recent statement about Indians being "disloyal" to the country. According to Anwar, these statements are not surprising, as Dr Mahathir allegedly has a history of prejudice against different races.


Speaking at the "AI Untuk Rakyat" event at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Anwar sarcastically mentioned that Dr Mahathir has frequently labeled non-Malays as disloyal, with the exception of some of his close associates. Anwar criticized Dr Mahathir for making such "irresponsible" remarks and stated that they should not have come from someone who had been the country's prime minister for an extended period.


Anwar dismissed Dr Mahathir's statement on Indians' loyalty as irrelevant and condemned him for insulting any race, considering his own long tenure as prime minister. Anwar highlighted Dr Mahathir's previous views, such as his belief that Malays were lazy except for himself, and that the Chinese were not loyal to the country, except for a select few of his cronies.


In a recent interview with an Indian satellite TV channel, Dr Mahathir claimed that Malaysian Indians were not entirely loyal to the country because they still strongly identified with their country of origin. Furthermore, he suggested that non-Malays should assimilate and "become Malay." During his speech, Anwar spoke bluntly about "former leaders" who were attempting to divert attention from their own wrongdoing by insulting all races.


Though he did not mention names, it was clear that he was referring to Dr Mahathir when he quoted the latter's assertion that "Chinese and Indians are not loyal to the country." Anwar described these views as outdated and potentially harmful to the country.


He urged the people, particularly the younger generation, not to entertain such divisive perspectives and instead focus on elevating the country's dignity. According to Anwar, all citizens are loyal, and it is crucial to respect each other regardless of race and to embrace the strength that diversity brings.


In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim strongly criticized Dr Mahathir's remarks on Indians' loyalty, portraying them as irresponsible and irrelevant. He called for unity and respect among all citizens, emphasizing the need to uplift the dignity of the country and move beyond outdated views that can potentially harm national harmony.