KUALA LUMPUR: The loyalty of the Indian and Chinese communities in Malaysia should not be questioned just because they speak their mother tongues and practise their own cultures and customs, says Gobind Singh Deo.

       The DAP deputy national chairman reminded former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad not to make divisive statements, especially concerning ethnic matters.

       "Malaysia is a multi-ethnic nation and its citizens are of various religions and cultures.

       "The Federal Constitution explicitly recognises – unless expressly allowed by the Constitution itself – that there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the grounds of religion, race, descent, place of birth, or gender in any law," he said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 14).

       Gobind, who is also Digital Minister, said many Malaysians speak more than one language, with most proficient in Bahasa Malaysia and their mother tongue, which includes Chinese, Tamil, Iban or Kadazan.

       "This has never been a problem to us. On the contrary, it is this diversity that has strengthened and positioned us to benefit from today's largely globalised world," he said.

       He said Dr Mahathir must acknowledge that all Malaysians, be they Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabahan, or Sarawakian, have worked tirelessly and continue to contribute to the building of the nation.

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       "We are indeed Malaysians and loyal to our country," he said.

       In a recent interview with a Tamil news channel based in Chennai, India, Dr Mahathir claimed that Malaysian Indians are not completely loyal to the country because they still identify with their country of origin.

       The former premier also said that non-Malays should fully assimilate and "become Malay".

       Dr Mahathir's remarks drew criticism from various leaders, with National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang saying he was disappointed with Dr Mahathir's remarks as political leaders should refrain from issuing statements that touch on religious and racial sensitivities.

       Beside Aaron, acting Muda president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz said Dr Mahathir should apologise for claiming that Malaysian Indians are not loyal to the country.