08-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Issues resolved internally during my time, says Dr M
The former prime minister said during his tenure, grievances were handled discreetly through government channels, without escalating into public spats.
KUALA LUMPUR : Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says during his tenure as prime minister all public grievances were addressed quietly through government channels, without escalating into open confrontations or unrest.
'During my time, people were free to make complaints with the government if something was wrong, such as the location of a temple or mosque. We would settle it internally,' he said.
'There was no need to fight each other or go public (on these matters),' he told FMT in an interview.
In March, a controversy arose involving the relocation of a 130-year-old Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple was located on land sold to textile retailer Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd in 2012. The company's plan to build a mosque, named Masjid Madani, on the site met with fierce resistance from the temple's community, several NGOs, and other parties.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later clarified that the government was not involved in the mosque's construction, emphasising that it was the private landowner's decision.
Mahathir, who served as the country's fourth and seventh prime minister, also claimed that Malaysians today no longer enjoy the same freedom to voice criticism, saying dissent against the government is being increasingly suppressed.
'Whatever the government does, you have to support it. And if the government doesn't take any action, you are left stranded,' he said.
Addressing racism
Mahathir voiced concern over what he sees as a widening racial divide in the country, stating that race-related sentiments are now more pronounced than during his time in office.
'People are more conscious of their race and feel threatened by other communities,' he said.
He cited Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand as countries that do not experience similar racial tensions, attributing this to the presence of a unifying national language and the absence of race-based political parties.
'If political parties are based on race, and they promote their race, language and culture, then we become racially divided.'
'In Indonesia, the Chinese Indonesians speak Bahasa Indonesia, they don't speak Chinese. But in Malaysia we insist that we are Malaysian, but we are Malaysian Chinese or Malaysian Indian,' he said.
Mahathir added that politicians often exploit racial issues to gain support, further dividing the nation.
However, he said Malay parties should not be considered race-based, as they are rooted in nationality.
'Malaysia is a country founded by Malays and is recognised as Tanah Melayu.'
'If someone adopts the Malay language and culture, they can join Umno or any Malay party. It's not strictly about race—it's about nationality. This is a Malay nation,' he said.
