Selangor Perkasa appears to be unmoved by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remarks that Malays are "lazy" and has instead jumped to the former prime minister's defence.

 

Instead, the Malay-rights group in which Mahathir is a patron, told other races not to be startled when Malays are criticised.

 

"If he (Mahathir) reproaches the Malays, it is hoped other races will not be startled because perhaps they do not understand what he means," the group said in a statement on its Facebook page.

 

Following Mahathir's remark, the former premier had come under heavy criticism including from other communities for racially stereotyping the Malay community.

 

However, Selangor Perkasa said the remark came from someone who has lived for more than eight decades, overcome various obstacles and achieved successes in life.

 

"Perkasa Selangor sees whatever argument made by Mahathir as a form of advice from a father to a son.

 

"As a former prime minister for more than 20 years, he clearly understands every race in this country," the group said.

 

The right-wing organisation added that it accepted Mahathir's criticisms with an "open heart".

 

"In fact, we thank him for his willingness to share his knowledge," he said.