KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he is ready to meet Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang over his loyalty of Indians and Chinese remarks.
Dr Mahathir, who twice served as the country's prime minister, in a posting on his Facebook today said he hoped the national unity minister would agree to his invitation.
In the same posting, Dr Mahathir also took a jab against those who criticised him for making such remarks during an interview with a Chennai-based satellite television channel recently.
"To those who keep speaking about multi-racial and criticise me on issues related to race should asked why there are race-based (political) parties existing in the country.
"There are parties which claim that they are multi-racial entities but such a claim were (called) fake by the former leader of the party.
"I am ready to meet with the (National Unity) minister (Datuk) Aaron Ago Dagang as suggested by him. I hope he will come," the posting said.
During an exclusive interview with Thanthi TV, Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying that he was of the view 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.
Such a remark was met with anger and widely criticised by several political leaders and activists.
Aaron, in a statement, said political leaders should serve as examples in nurturing values of unity, harmony and the spirit of togetherness.
ALSO READ: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/1000898/unity-minister-takes-...
"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," said Aaron.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim condemned Dr Mahathir for making such a irresponsible remark.
"He is known to issue such a statement…to him, all Malays are lazy, except for himself. And Malaysian Indians and Chinese are disloyal unless if they are his cronies," Anwar had said.