JOHOR BARU: A PKR leader has called for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to publicly apologise to all Malaysians, particularly to the Indian and Chinese communities who allegedly were deeply affected by his misguided perspectives on their loyalty to Malaysia.
PKR Central Leadership Council member R. Yuneswaran said the controversial remarks were perceived as prejudiced against the Indian community in the country.
"His remarks have drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from the Indian community, who had contributed immensely to the country's prosperity and development," he said.
Yuneswaran, who is also the Segamat member of parliament, said Dr Mahathir, who led the country twice for over 23 years, had not only insulted the country's unity which was built on values and loyalty, but also targeted the sensitivities of the Indian and Chinese communities.
"As a patriotic Malaysian who values the unity and diversity upheld by the nation, I personally found these comments distressing and offensive, especially coming from a statesman who should be a rational figure promoting unity.
"Dr Mahathir's clear assertion that these communities are 'immigrants from other countries' further exacerbates the divisive nature of his statements.
"Such statements represent a form of disrespect towards Malaysia's unity, which has been nurtured on principles of undivided loyalty to the nation," he said.
He said Dr Mahathir's views on alleged disloyalty of the Indian community due to their supposed ties to their countries of origin are discriminatory and pose a threat to the essential fabric of unity in the era of Malaysia Madani.
He called for the seasoned politician to issue a public apology and advised Dr Mahathir against making any statements that perpetuate racial discrimination.
Yuneswaran said past or present leaders and politicians should be agents of peace, who deliver positive messages that strengthen the bonds of unity among the diverse population in terms of race, religion, and ethnicity.
Dr Mahathir, in a recent 30-minute English-language interview with India-based Tanthi TV, said Malaysians of Indian descent are not entirely loyal to Malaysia, alleging that they are still connected to their countries of origin.