In Dr Mahathir’s own words, we are a multiracial country

THE real Malaysia is “a multiracial, multicultural, multilingual nation, despite what some ‘trapped-in-a-time capsule’ politicians may say,” writes Dorairaj Nadason, “One voice in a multilingual nation” (The Star, July 29).

Guess who said the same thing?

It was none other than Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and he said it on the world stage.

At the age of 93 and prime minister for a historic second time, Dr Mahathir gave a speech at the general debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept 28, 2018.

In his speech to leaders gathered there, he lamented how little had changed in the world as it was in far worse shape than before.

“Today, the world is in a state of turmoil economically, socially, and politically,” he said.

Before that, he spoke of the new Malaysia, saying: “A new Malaysia emerged after the 14th general election in May this year. Malaysians decided to change their government, which had been in power for 61 years, i.e. since independence. We did this because the immediate past government indulged in the politics of hatred, of racial and religious bigotry, as well as widespread corruption. The process of change was achieved democratically, without violence or loss of lives.”

Dr Mahathir gave his word that the new Malaysia “will firmly espouse the principles promoted by the UN in our international engagements. These include the principles of truth, human rights, the rule of law, justice, fairness, responsibility and accountability, as well as sustainability. It is within this context that the new government of Malaysia has pledged to ratify all remaining core UN instruments related to the protection of human rights.

“It will not be easy for us because Malaysia is multiethnic, multireligious, multicultural and multilingual. We will accord space and time for all to deliberate and to decide freely based on democracy,” he added, “Dr M addresses UN General Assembly” (The Star, Sept 28, 2018).

In less than three weeks, the speech was approved by the Dewan Rakyat as the basis of Malaysia’s foreign policy, leading to the publication of the Foreign Policy Framework of the New Malaysia. So, Malaysians do have solid proof for calling their beloved country multiracial.

HAFIZ HASSAN

Melaka