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By Chris Bishop and Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 5: Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wonders if 97-year-old Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is “ok or not” for coming up with a “crazy opinion” that promoting a multiracial Malaysia is unconstitutional.
As such, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts has dismissed any possibility of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) collaborating or working with Dr Mahathir.
“It puzzles me that such statement actually came from someone who had been the prime minister (of Malaysia) not once, but twice.
“Now that he (Dr Mahathir) is 97-years-old and for him to make such a ridiculous statement, I can’t help but wonder if he’s ok or not. What kind of crazy opinion was that,” he said during a press conference at his office in Baitulmakmur Building II today.
Despite holding high respect and regard for Dr Mahathir, Abdul Karim added that such a ridiculous statement which does not augur well with majority of Malaysians would reflect badly on the former premier who had helmed the nation for a total of 24 years.
“How will non-Malays feel (about it)? As a Malay myself, I find it absurd that someone who has been the prime minister twice would make such a statement,” he said.
Abdul Karim opined that Dr Mahathir should not have returned to politics after his retirement, but instead assumed a statesman role, where leaders could seek his guidance and wisdom.
“I would prefer him to stay put and leave politics to those whom he had groomed up to lead the nation. That’s how it should be.
“You don’t come back and start going against those whom you have mentored. From his crazy statement, how can we work together with somebody like that,” he emphasised.
On Monday (July 3), Dr Mahathir claimed that the Federal Constitution stresses on the “Malay-ness” of Malaysia.
He also questioned whether the current unity government had rejected the rule of law and the Federal Constitution as the constitution never mentions the country as a multiracial country.
Earlier on, Abdul Karim witnessed the handing over of RM1.5 million sponsorship from Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd to Sarawak Badminton Association as well as announced the second edition of Abang Johari Cup for junior badminton players which will be held on Aug 4 to 6. — DayakDaily
