Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Hey, don’t look at me! That’s what ex-PM Mahathir said to the Indian Muslims at their function (dinner organised by the association of Muslim Kadayanallur in Penang). Yup, he was their invited guest, and I think they are regretting that now! 🙂
To a claim that the Indian Muslims in the country have been neglected, Mahathir said they should choose to either become a Muslim or an Indian.
“The country is very liberal and I think they (Indian Muslims) will be accepted by all if they can pick either to become a Muslim or Indian,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Mahathir said there was no difference between the various races as everyone is a Malaysian.
“The federal constitution also defines a Muslim very clearly. If they want to become a Muslim then just follow the constitution,” he added.
The former premier said if Indian Muslims in the country still call themselves as such, others might think that they still have links to their country of origin.
“The problem of Indian Muslims will be resolved if they can decide and choose to become either a Muslim or an Indian,” he added.
Maybe he’s confused (well, he is 84 after all) between race and religion. Obviously these folks are Muslims (and maybe even better ones than some of the majority race Muslims), so people would be confused with his call. Would JAKIM or the police investigate him for maybe trying to mislead the ummah or something? I don’t know much but I think that a crime has been committed here under some law for saying Indian Muslims are not Muslims. The federal constitution (Article 160, I think) defines a Malay, not a Muslim.
Maybe he just saying drop either Indian or Muslim from their association so that things are clearer for this community. So, the option is to assimilate, rather than integrate. The rational (and beneficial) choice would be to opt for Muslim (and also Malay).
He also asked Chinese and Indians to call themselves Malaysians instead of Chinese or Indians. Says that the Indonesians and Thais do the same. Yup, but they still end up killing each other at the slightest problems, so its just rhetoric.
So, the Indian Muslims need to choose now. What would be? Indian, Muslim or some choice words for our ex-PM?
i’m indian n muslim…
🙂
well sir Abdul Rasid, how nice if everyone is clear as you are! 🙂
Brother Pubalan, thank you very much for highlighting this issue. Probably our beloved ex-PM has been in the premiership for too long till he’s forgotten our country’s constitution. I think we can just forgive and forget for his confusion. Most important here is for us to understand the different between religion and race and country’s constitution clearly in order for us to live in this country together peacefully. Allow me to make you understand the situation here. For your info unfortunately this Association currently lead by uneducated individuals who don’t bother about integrity and just appear to be proud by exposing themselves to others as an Association that can organize this kind of functions by inviting VIPs subsequently been awarded for their achievement. As a member of the Association, I feel very embarrassed with this and hope that it will not lead to disunity among the Muslims and Indians and I take the responsibility to repair this damages caused by irresponsible people of the Association and sincerely hope that we will be able to lift the pride of our Indian Muslims and Indian as a whole.
Hi, good day. Wonderful post. You have gained a new subscriber. Pleasee continue this great work and I look forward to more of your great blog posts.
Dear All,
It’s just so great to know that there are still some Indian Muslims who are still proud to be Indians. Indian cultures, religions and languages are diverse and great. Some of my Indian Muslim friends just refuse to be named as Indians. Its just heartbreakin!