Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has responded to ex-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s remarks that it was unconstitutional to promote a multiracial Malaysia as it was not mentioned in the Federal Constitution.
Anwar said on Jul. 10 that the former Prime Minister’s comments were his “last desperate attempt” to stay relevant, Malaysiakini reported.
Mahathir, 98, has been expressing his views about multiracialism on his social media platforms, alleging that it is "against the Constitution".
He later accused his former Minister of Youth and Sports Syed Saddiq of wanting to "erase the history" of the nation and religion by promoting multiracialism.
The ex-Prime Minister also recently announced a "Malay proclamation", apparently aimed at uplifting the Malay community of Malaysia, which attracted the attention of opposition parties like the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).
Anwar: I will make him irrelevant
Responding to questions at the International Malaysia Law Conference 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said that Mahathir’s influence had deteriorated after the 2022 elections, according to Malaysiakini.
“(Mahathir) lost his deposit in Langkawi, I don’t think we should take him very seriously.”
“Of course, (this) is his last attempt to be seen as relevant. I am going to make him irrelevant.”
“I am not going to comment on it.”
Nevertheless, Anwar stated that his government will handle increasing tensions with “all the powers and resources.”
His comments come shortly after Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi similarly commented that Mahathir was merely being provocative to remain relevant at his age, Malay Mail reported.
Rights of non-Malay Malaysians should not be denied: Anwar
Anwar also said that the rights of non-Malay Malaysians should not be denied under the Federal Constitution, according to The Star.
"We all have to take the position that the Constitution is very clear on the position of the Malays, but it is also clear on protecting the welfare of all citizens in this country. The future is for all Malaysians.”
He also took a swipe at those who insisted that Malaysia belonged to the Malays.
“I am Malay and I respect the Malay culture, tradition, rulers, language but that does not make me racist or deny the rights of others.”
Anwar said that he did not comprehend why Malaysia was “stuck on who this country belongs to - the Malays or the Chinese or the Christians”.
He reiterated that there were more pertinent areas that the nation should be focusing on, such as “governance, economic advancement, or digital technology”.
Anwar & Mahathir
Mahathir and Anwar recently competed in Malaysia’s 15th General Election, held in November 2022.
Anwar's coalition formed a surprise alliance with Umno to establish a unity government, with Anwar as prime minister.
Meanwhile, Mahathir lost both his bid to become a Member of Parliament, and his deposit.
He also openly expressed doubts over Anwar's ability to lead the country, claiming that the latter’s first 100 days as prime minister had not produced any results.
In May 2023, Mahathir filed a RM150 million (S$43.73 million) defamation suit against Anwar for allegedly accusing him of enriching himself and his family during his time as premier.
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