KUALA LUMPUR: It would be pointless for the National Unity Minister to meet with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to discuss the former prime minister's remarks questioning the loyalty of Indians and Chinese to the country.
Former Dap leader P Ramasamy, who has been embroiled in a spat with the nonagenarian over the issue, said Aaron's meeting with Dr Mahathir would just end up as an exercise in futility.
Ramasamy, who is former Penang deputy chief minister, said he doubted that such a meeting would have a significant impact on Dr Mahathir's mindset.
"Dr Mahathir - given his vast political experience, thinks that he knows the answers to what ails the Malaysian society.
"I think the meeting will be one in which Dr Mahathir will be doing all the talking with Aaron listening.
"In brief, it would not be a dialogue but a monologue!," Ramasamy said in a Facebook posting.
Earlier this week, Dr Mahathir said he was ready to meet Aaron over his loyalty of Indians and Chinese remarks.
The veteran politician, who has twiced served as prime minister, had also taken a jab at those who criticised him for making such remarks during an interview with a Chennai-based satellite television channel recently.
He said those who keep speaking about multi-racialism and criticised him on issues related to race, should also ask why there are still race-based political parties in the country.
Aaron had previously said it was unbecoming political leaders to issue such statements.
He said leaders should serve as examples in nurturing values of unity, harmony and the spirit of togetherness.
"As a statesman who had participated in building this nation, he (dr Mahathir) should become an agent of unity in spreading messages of togetherness.
"I am very disappointed and strongly condemn Dr Mahathir's remarks," he was quoted as saying.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also condemned Dr Mahathir for making the irresponsible remark.
Anwar said Dr Mahathir was known to issue such statements, as "to him, all Malays are lazy, except for himself. And Malaysian Indians and Chinese are disloyal unless if they are his cronies."