Dr M says 1Malaysia interpreted differently by races

ALOR STAR: Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, declaring his support for the 1Malaysia concept, says the problem now was that various races in the country have different interpretations of the slogan, which had become the rallying call of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.
Due to this, he said implementing the concept would become even more difficult, reported Bernama.

"I spoke to the Chinese community, the Malays and their views on 1Malaysia differ. It is difficult if they have different interpretations of the concept. Because of this, the concept needs detailed explanation," he told reporters after breaking fast in Kodiang, here last night.

Dr Mahathir also said while the Najib's administration wanted to bring changes, it had to safeguard the interest of the Bumiputeras as they still needed government help.

"If they are not helped, then we are finished... we would end up like Singapore. If we practise meritocracy, it has a lot of effects. This is why I say that it can become racist because it takes away the rights of the Malays and other Bumiputeras.

"If we use the merit system, half of the university students (Bumiputera) don't qualify. (Bumiputera) traders in cities will also vanish... then i'ts finished," he added.

Commenting on the anti-Malaysia demonstrations in Indonesia, Mahathir said there were groups there which were trying to damage the close relations between the two countries.

"These groups (which organise the demonstrations in Indonesia) do not represent Indonesia. Indonesia has 230 million people... these groups are very small,” he added.