Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir recently warned Malaysians of the shrinking of Tanah Melayu as land in the country continues to be sold. The Deputy Chairman of the Ethnic and Religious Relations Bureau of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) responded in his statement and reminded Tun M,
“Malaysia does not belong to any race exclusively. Malaysia belongs to all of us Malaysians.”
Roger Yapp Kah Chong said the future of this country must also be founded on trust, understanding, and shared ideals between various races, not fear, hatred, or division. Roger also described Tun M’s statement as “baseless accusations”, but it could also invite racial tension and threaten national harmony.
“The non-Malays do study the history and culture of their ancestors’ origins. However, this does not mean they are not loyal to Malaysia.”
“Malaysia was built with the sweat of all races – from the mine and plantation workers of the past, to the teachers, doctors, businessmen and civil servants of today,” Roger said in his statement.
Roger also pointed out that leaders in Malaysia and most of the employees in the public sector are Malays, and he believed Tun M’s accusation that Malaysia is being controlled by non-Malays is untrue.
At the same time, he acknowledged that there was still much room for improvement that could be achieved in this country, and MCA was prepared to work together to find solutions.
“Malaysia is Tanah Melayu, nothing will change that!”
UMNO Youth Chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, weighed in on Roger’s statement and reminded the latter that, based on the Federal Constitution, Malaysia has always been Tanah Melayu, citing these articles in his Facebook post:
- Federal Constitution Article 152: The Malay language is the national language, but other languages can be studied and used.
- Federal Constitution Article 153: It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities.
“Study and understand the history of the country before making such a statement!” Akmal told Roger.
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