Two DAP members have pointed out that it is not the “alternative media phenomenon” that raised issues pertaining to the special rights of the Malays, as pointed out by former inspector-general of police Mohd Hanif Omar as reported yesterday.

They said it is the Malay nationalist party Umno itself which had raised such issues, namely  former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, way back many years ago.

Pasir Pinji assemblyperson Howard Lee Chuan How and Lim Kit Siang’s political secretary Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, in their joint statement today, said Mahathir had in 1965 brought up the issue in parliament.

Quoting from the parliament Hansard dated Aug 11, 1965, they claimed that Mahathir had said he did not believe the existence of Malay rights provisions in the constitution would bring good to the Malay people.

“And one day, we will throw away altogether, Malay special rights. I understand that it is written in the constitution, but even now it is an insult to the Malay people.”

They said it was as far back as 1965 that Mahathir had started questioning the special position of the Malays, but he blatantly stated that the special position of the Malays weakens the Malays.

“I feel very sad when I hear Malays talk about Ketuanan Melayu. Apparently, there is Malay reserve land because we are Tuan. But to have to live in a Malay reserve is an insult because that means I’m so weak that I’ve to be protected in my own country. It is not something to be proud of,” they quoted Mahathir as saying.

Lee and Dyana further claimed that in 2011, Mahathir was also quoted to have said that he felt sad to hear Malays talk about Ketuanan Melayu.

“Apparently, there is Malay reserve land because we are Tuan. But to have to live in a Malay reserve is an insult because that means I’m so weak that I am to be protected in my own country. It is not something to be proud of,” they said in quoting Mahathir.

NONEThe duo was commenting on Hanif’s (left) speech over the weekend where he accused the alternative media and a small group of people of raising issues like the special position of the bumiputeras, the institution of royalty and Islam, which he described is a norm of today.

“The feelings of the people, especially the Malays and Muslims, are no longer considered. My retiree friends and I are very sad about this and sometimes wonder where this country is being led, especially now when there are Muslims who even consider themselves prophets or god,” the former IGP was quoted to have said.

‘Alternative media would not come close’

They said that if there there was ever a proponent for treason and the questioning of the royal institution, Umno would certainly top the chart without a shadow of a doubt.

“The ‘alternative media phenomenon’ wouldn’t even come close to qualifying,” they expressed.

Lee and Dyana also asked the former IGP to retract his misleading and accurate accusation in his address.

They pointed out that it was also Mahathir, when he was prime minister and Umno president for 22, years who had forcefully stripped away royal powers to appoint senior government officers despite objections by the Conference of Rulers.

The duo said Mahathir had not once but twice masterminded the constitutional amendments to undermine the monarchy system, but systematically and surgically usurped what was previously the royal prerogative.

“It is Mahathir and Umno which is indeed the master architect of the alleged ‘grand design’ that is very successfully leading the nation towards oblivion,” they said.