Apologise for remarks on Malaysian Indians, Muda acting president tells Dr M

PETALING JAYA: Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should apologise for claiming that Malaysian Indians are not “completely loyal to Malaysia”, said acting Muda president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.

Amira said this isn’t the first time Dr Mahathir had attacked and undermined Malaysians publicly.

“After Dr Mahathir led for so long, the Indian community is still burdened and have to defend themselves from his prejudicial remarks.

“I felt, Malaysians should not be accused and belittled for their loyalty to the country. We are all loyal to Malaysia,” said Amira in a post on X on Saturday (Jan 13) night.

Amira then asked Dr Mahathir if the nonagenarian was trying to divide Malaysians.

“I condemn and reject Dr Mahathir’s speech. As a Tun, Dr Mahathir has to be more responsible,” added Amira.

In a recent interview with a Tamil news channel based in Chennai, India, Dr Mahathir claimed that Malaysian Indians are not completely loyal to the country, because they still identify with their country of origin.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysian Indians do not speak Malay and they speak Tamil instead, adding that one should identify as Malay to have the right to call the country their own.

The two-time former premier also agreed that non-Malays should fully assimilate and “become Malay”.

Dr Mahathir’s remarks had drawn criticisms from various leaders, with National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang who said he was disappointed with the nonagenarian’s remarks, as political leaders should refrain from issuing statements that touch on religious and racial sensitivities.