PETALING JAYA: The driving of the Malay agenda should not be misconstrued as “racism” both by all parties, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
Zahid told a congregation of the Peninsula Malay Students’ Union (GPMS) here that moreover such an objective is being carried out tactfully as to not neglect the needs of other races.
“We must not ignore nor avoid the circumstances of being in a multi-racial society. But at the same time, we must realise the need to push the Malays to the forefront as we should not be left behind.
“Yes, we want to push the Malays to the forefront of education and beyond. There is nothing wrong with that,” said Zahid, in his speech before opening GPMS' 63rd annual general meeting.
Zahid also said the championing of the Malay agenda was done with due respect to other races and religions.
“It should not be seen by others as racism. We have to also look at neighbouring countries, where those of other origins have assimilated into and even adopted the languages of those countries as their mother tongue," said Zahid, pointing towards Thailand and Indonesia.
“The same has not happened here. We accepted other cultures. Now, when we talk about the Malay agenda or Malay rights, we should look at it from a standpoint of the basis of the formation of this country.”
Also present were Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and GPMS president Mohd Hazimin Jamaludin.
At the function, Zahid also approved an RM1 million allocation to GPMS, before also launching the Gerakan Melayu PRU14 or Malay Movement GE14 (GEMPUR14), which will be an election campaigning machinery driven by GPMS.
Acknowledging the presence of a line-up of former GPMS presidents, Zahid then reminded the current generation to remember contributions and sacrifices of past generations.
Zahid also hinted a reminder over the bitter anti-government tirade led by former prime minister-turned-opposition leader Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“We must appreciate their contributions but also live in reality. Don't be like those who contribute and then want to discard everything that came everything that came after their time.
“It is as if only they have done good and all those that came after them are no good. We must live in the current reality.”