KUALA LUMPUR – Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has accused the government and police of being biased in their approach to statements he made that touched on the country’s non-Malay communities.
This approach, he claims, was evident in their decision to interrogate him regarding a press conference statement made upon his return from Europe, as well as a post on his blog.
Rather than viewing the questioning as a pursuit of justice, Dr Mahathir claims that it is a veiled attempt to stifle his freedom of expression.
He said the questioning was an attempt to silence him over his remarks that Malaysia is a Malay country and should not be recognised as a multiracial country.
“I explained (in the press conference after the Europe trip) that it was stated in the federal constitution that Malaysia is a Malay land, so there is no reason why we should change the country’s name or its pattern and constitution.
“So I got reported and was recorded and questioned because of what I said,” he said during a press conference at Albukhary Foundation, earlier today.
“Secondly, I mentioned in my blog post that we are facing many problems in the country, mainly the Malays.
“Apparently (this kind of thing) cannot be said. So, if I say something about the Malay land I am deemed racist.”
The police recorded Dr Mahathir’s statement after two reports were lodged against him on July 27.
Dr Mahathir noted an apparent absence of a consistent legal framework, enabling the police to act arbitrarily and neglect cases when necessary.
He also said that media practitioners faced similar challenges with press freedom restrictions.
“I am aware that the press is also being restricted from making any unbiased reports towards the government or they will be subjected to certain circumstances.
“If they make a report that is not in favour of the government, they will be told to stop or be forced to leave their job,” he said.
“The media has its own press club. The club should defend the rights of their colleagues.”
In 1987, during Dr Mahathir’s first stint as prime minister, the police initiated ‘Ops Lalang’ to avert potential racial unrest in the country.
This operation led to the arrest of over 100 politicians, primarily from opposition parties, and the revocation of licenses for numerous newspapers.
However, in March this year, Dr Mahathir denied giving orders for the operation, which was carried out as part of the now-abolished Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960. — August 18, 2023