- Joined
- Jan 23, 2010
- Messages
- 1,746
- Points
- 0
Jan 31, 2011
Mahathir slams MM's views on religion
By Elizabeth Looi, Malaysia Correspondent
KUALA LUMPUR: Former premier Mahathir Mohamad has lashed out at Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew for his recently published remarks on Muslims, accusing him of not respecting religion and blaming him for the separation of Singapore and Malaysia in 1965.
In his first comments on the book Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths To Keep Singapore Going, Tun Dr Mahathir slammed Mr Lee for his views on religion, homing in especially on his remark linking Singapore Muslims' beliefs and racial integration in the island-nation.
'I am not surprised by his statement because to him religion is not important,' said Dr Mahathir in a lengthy interview with local paper Utusan Malaysia's Sunday edition, Mingguan Malaysia.
'For him the end justifies the means, so if he wants racial integration in Singapore, he won't let Islam stand in the way of his goals. That is Kuan Yew. He totally does not respect religion and the sensitivities of other races.'
The former premier's comments are the latest to emerge from Malaysia following the launch of Mr Lee's book. Malay-language dailies here, including Utusan and Berita Harian, have been hitting out at Mr Lee in various commentaries and articles, claiming, among other things, that the elder statesman was trying to pit neighbouring countries against each other. They also said Mr Lee should learn more about Islam before making statements about Muslims.
In his interview, Dr Mahathir also claimed that Malays in Singapore had no choice but to com-promise their beliefs.
'They are afraid of the Government,' he charged.[COLOR="_______"] 'I also feel that the Malays are careful when they speak up because they are worried they would be victimised. That is the attitude of the Malays in Singapore.'[/COLOR]
In Singapore, Mr Lee's remarks have drawn protests from several Muslim groups.
Dr Mahathir maintained that Singapore's Malays were 'weak' and marginalised, whereas Malaysia ensured equal opportunities for all races.
[COLOR="_______"]He also blamed Mr Lee for breaking a promise not to contest in east Malaysia in the 1964 general election, saying it was his actions that ultimately led to the separation of Singapore from Malaysia.[/COLOR]
Dr Mahathir suggested that other countries might have responded to such a situation 'using force', but Malaysia's then Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, 'chose to separate Singapore and gave independence to the country'.
'That is why it is not true when Singapore accuses us of having malice towards them,' he said.
Mahathir slams MM's views on religion
By Elizabeth Looi, Malaysia Correspondent
KUALA LUMPUR: Former premier Mahathir Mohamad has lashed out at Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew for his recently published remarks on Muslims, accusing him of not respecting religion and blaming him for the separation of Singapore and Malaysia in 1965.
In his first comments on the book Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths To Keep Singapore Going, Tun Dr Mahathir slammed Mr Lee for his views on religion, homing in especially on his remark linking Singapore Muslims' beliefs and racial integration in the island-nation.
'I am not surprised by his statement because to him religion is not important,' said Dr Mahathir in a lengthy interview with local paper Utusan Malaysia's Sunday edition, Mingguan Malaysia.
'For him the end justifies the means, so if he wants racial integration in Singapore, he won't let Islam stand in the way of his goals. That is Kuan Yew. He totally does not respect religion and the sensitivities of other races.'
The former premier's comments are the latest to emerge from Malaysia following the launch of Mr Lee's book. Malay-language dailies here, including Utusan and Berita Harian, have been hitting out at Mr Lee in various commentaries and articles, claiming, among other things, that the elder statesman was trying to pit neighbouring countries against each other. They also said Mr Lee should learn more about Islam before making statements about Muslims.
In his interview, Dr Mahathir also claimed that Malays in Singapore had no choice but to com-promise their beliefs.
'They are afraid of the Government,' he charged.[COLOR="_______"] 'I also feel that the Malays are careful when they speak up because they are worried they would be victimised. That is the attitude of the Malays in Singapore.'[/COLOR]
In Singapore, Mr Lee's remarks have drawn protests from several Muslim groups.
Dr Mahathir maintained that Singapore's Malays were 'weak' and marginalised, whereas Malaysia ensured equal opportunities for all races.
[COLOR="_______"]He also blamed Mr Lee for breaking a promise not to contest in east Malaysia in the 1964 general election, saying it was his actions that ultimately led to the separation of Singapore from Malaysia.[/COLOR]
Dr Mahathir suggested that other countries might have responded to such a situation 'using force', but Malaysia's then Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, 'chose to separate Singapore and gave independence to the country'.
'That is why it is not true when Singapore accuses us of having malice towards them,' he said.