PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s statement denying that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country has no basis and is regrettable, says Ramkarpal Singh.
The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) said Dr Mahathir even acknowledged Malaysia’s composition and identity during his 22 years and later 22 months as prime minister.
“Islam being the official religion in Malaysia has never been questioned by anyone as it is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, but it also says that other religions are allowed to be practiced peacefully,” Ramkarpal said in a statement on Wednesday (July 5).
He said this proves that Malaysia is a country of various races, cultures and religions.
On Monday (July 3), Dr Mahathir claimed that it was unconstitutional to promote Malaysia as a multiracial country because the Federal Constitution never mentions that it is one.
Ramkarpal said as a former long-serving premier, Dr Mahathir should be aware of provisions in the country’s supreme law.
“Dr Mahathir realises that his statement has no basis and as an elder statesman should be aware of the phrase ‘unity in diversity should be our strength and not our shame’,” he added.
– The Star