Former MPs slam Mahathir for spewing 'venom' against M'sian Indians

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has undone whatever little good he has done for the country with his latest rant about Malaysian Indians, lamented a DAP leader.

According to former Klang MP Charles Santiago, Mahathir should be ashamed of himself for spouting such "venom" in his twilight years.

"Indians and Chinese have contributed to the socioeconomic and political development of Malaysia. Mahathir should be ashamed of himself for such venom.

"Action must be taken against him for such divisive statements that are potentially harmful in this multiracial society," Charles said today on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He was responding to Mahathir's remark to Indian satellite TV channel Thanthi TV where he said that Malaysian Indians are not completely loyal to the country as they still identify with their country of origin.

Mahathir added that one should identify as Malay to have the right to call the country their own.

Charles also said that Mahathir fully realises that the latter was inciting bigotry and hate with his latest remarks but does not care about the consequences of his actions.

"Is he desperately trying to stay relevant? Especially in his twilight years?

"Then he must know that we are fed up with his hate-filled rants. Malaysia does not belong to a select few but to all Malaysians," he added.

On a related matter, former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto said Mahathir was the last person who should be talking about loyalty, especially when it touches on roots and heritage.

“I’m a proud and loyal Malaysian, unlike you. I work hard to see Malaysia at her best.

“You were the setback we never deserved,” she said on X.

‘Malaysia is built on unity’

Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Aaron Aro Dagang condemned Mahathir's statement.

“As a statesperson who has worked together in building this nation, he should be an agent of national unity in spreading messages of togetherness.

“This country is built on the basis of togetherness through a social contract that brought us independence.

“In uniting the people of various races, religions, ethnicities, and cultures in this country, our forefathers have supported national integration rather than assimilation.

“Now that it has been more than 60 years since independence, the people have maintained the value of ‘unity in diversity’ as a way of life,” he said in a statement today.

Aaron urged political leaders to refrain from releasing statements that touch on religious and racial sensitivities and instead be role models.

“We must learn, understand, and take examples from historical events that Malaysia has gone through so that racial unity and harmony can continue to be enjoyed.”

Dr M: Indian M'sians are not 'completely loyal' to the country

Indian leaders lament Mitra transfer to Unity Ministry

PN-linked Indian party rips Anwar over cabinet line-up

PSM: 'Non-Malay PM', 'no Indian rep' row reflect sad truth of identity politics