KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has questioned former DAP leader Dr P. Ramasamy's act of calling him a racist when the latter had left DAP to form an Indian political party.
In a social media post today titled 'Ramasamy racist', Dr Mahathir said that, contrary to Ramasamy's criticism, there shouldn't be any problems if there are no Indian ministers in the cabinet.
Responding to Ramasamy's claim that Dr Mahathir was the "prime architect" of divisive racial and religious policies which have kept ethnic groups apart in the country, the former prime minister said it was Ramasamy who was racist.
"Ramasamy always accuses me of being racist. But when he left a multiracial party, he went on to form an Indian party.
"He lambasted the government when there are no Indians in the cabinet. If he didn't make those of Indian heritage a priority, then what's the issue with not having any Indians in the cabinet?
"Ministers who are not of Indian heritage are also Malaysian ministers. As Malaysians, there's no reason why not having any Indian ministers should be a problem.
"Why is it unfair that there are no Indian ministers in the cabinet? This is because Ramasamy is still loyal to those of Indian heritage.
"This also means that Ramasamy is racist (as he) fights not just for Malaysia but also for people of Indian heritage," he said.
Ramasamy had yesterday criticised Dr Mahathir following the latter's remarks made in an interview with Thanthi TV, an Indian TV channel, aired on Jan 11.
The two-time prime minister during the interview had questioned the loyalty of Indians and Chinese, saying that they were "not completely loyal" to Malaysia.
In his criticism, Ramasamy had claimed that Dr Mahathir appeared to have forgotten that the "divide and rule policy in the country was his making."
On Aug 10 last year, Ramasamy, who was former Penang Chief Minister II, left DAP after not being selected as a candidate in the state election.
He later formed the United for the Rights of Malaysians (Urimai) political party, of which he is interim council president.
The New Straits Times has reached out to Ramasamy for a response.