By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 19: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should reflect on himself before criticising others, says Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) deputy information chief Krishna Govinth in a statement today.
Krishna was commenting on a statement on Facebook by Dr Mahathir yesterday (Nov 18) questioning the usage of Chinese language on signboards with English translations in shops in a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, while there were none in the Malay language.
“As a former prime minister who has led this country for a long time, Tun Mahathir should be more tactful in issuing statements.
“Why only now does he want to dispute the use of Chinese writing, when during his administration he encouraged the use of English, the ‘colonial language’, in the education system and various government policies? If it is true that he wants to fight for the Malay language, why is this statement issued in English?” questioned Krishna.
He further claimed that Dr Mahathir’s statement could destroy the harmony that has long existed in the country, adding that leaders like him should be role models, instead of igniting racial tension.
“In a society like Malaysia, we cannot choose to prioritise only one culture or language. All races and languages in this country contribute to the Malaysian identity that we are proud of,” he said.
He also said that Dr Mahathir’s statement downplays the part the Chinese community has also played in building the nation.
“Malaysia does not need leaders who bring outdated rhetoric that divides the people. Statements like this only embarrass him and hurt the spirit of unity we have long cherished.
“As Malaysians, we must reject politics based on race. Such rhetoric will only destroy us from within. Let us continue to unite, strengthen the spirit of harmony, and reject any party that tries to divide us,” he said. — DayakDail
