Dr Mahathir apologises for past wrongs

International Desk: In a rare and significant event on Saturday, former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has apologised for his past misdeeds.

“I, like other human beings, am not alone from saying and doing wrong. Not just today but for all the time that I have been involved in politics,” said the 93-year-old.

“I apologise for all the wrongs that I have done,” said Dr Mahathir in the final part of his policy speech as Bersatu chairman at the party’s inaugural annual general meeting (AGM) in Shah Alam.

Since his return to active politics last year with the formation of Bersatu and the party’s entry into Pakatan Harapan, Dr Mahathir’s critics have questioned his track record as Umno president and prime minister.

Dr Mahathir has been criticised for not apologising for his crackdowns against Umno’s political opponents, who are now his allies in PH.

Critics, such as Dr Kua Kia Soong, who was detained by Dr Mahathir under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA), have asked Dr Mahathir to apologise for ordering Ops Lalang in 1987.

Other activists have similarly called on Dr Mahathir, who ruled Malaysia from 1981-2003, to apologise for the Memali incident, aiding Mr Najib Razak to become prime minister and jailing PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim in 1998.

Bersatu’s inaugural AGM was attended by 941 of the 983 registered delegates from 137 divisions with observers from 21 other divisions.

In his speech, Dr Mahathir also said Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious balance has to be preserved to ensure peace.

“Malaysia has many races. We have accepted this and are comfortable with this. Because of this acceptance, tension and racial riots do not take place.

“To ensure the stability of the country continues, this situation must be preserved,” he said.

He said as Malaysia welcomes new citizens, the numbers must be kept in check to ensure there are no radical changes.

Earlier, Dr Mahathir said Pakatan Harapan will work to reduce the number of foreigners from seven million to two million.

“Malaysian culture has changed a lot over the last 60 years. There are many different cultures following the mixing of different races. This process is ongoing and must be a unique point for us.

“Malaysia must not change until it does not reflect a multracial Malaysia,” he added.

He said that the right to religion should not be violated.

“Let’s not force our religion onto others. At the same time, the culture of other religions proselytising to Muslims is unacceptable. Let’s keep this custom to ensure stability among the different races.

“Don’t let human rights stop what has become our custom. Remember that freedom has limitations. Forget these limitations and it will invite instability and could cause riots,” said Dr Mahathir.

Source: Agencies


risingbd/Dhaka/Dec 30, 2017/AI