KUALA LUMPUR: Political leaders should serve as examples in nurturing values of unity, harmony and the spirit of togetherness, says Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
In a statement today, he said all levels of society, including political leaders, should refrain from issuing statements which touch on religious and racial sensitivities which could lead to hate.
He was referring to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remarks in which he claimed that the Indian community in Malaysia are "not entirely loyal" to the country as they are still inexorably tied to their country of origin.
"As a statesman who had participated in building this nation, he should become an agent of unity in spreading messages of togetherness.
"I am very disappointed and strongly condemn Dr Mahathir's remarks," he said.
Aaron said Malaysia was built on a foundation of togetherness through a social contract which eventually led to independence.
He said, in uniting the country, which comprises various races, religion, ethnicity and cultures, pas leaders had upheld the messages of national integration as opposed to assimilation.
"We have been independent for more than 60 years, the people still retain the values of unity in diversity as part of life," he said.
He also advised all sections of society to learn, understand and draw lessons from Malaysia's history so that current unity and harmony enjoyed among the races can continue.
"Diversity is our advantage and strength," he said.
Dr Mahathir, in a recent interview with Chennai-based Indian satellite television channel Thanthi TV, courted controversy when he claimed that Malaysian Indians and Chinese are not completely loyal to the country as they still want to identify themselves with their respective countries of origin.
He also stood by his previous remarks that Malaysia belongs to the people who founded the country.
His comments drew criticism from some quarters, including former Klang MP Charles Santiago, who said the former prime minister was "encouraging bigotry and hate."
Santiago urged the authorities to take action against him for making divisive statements that are potentially harmful in a multiracial society.