Stop racist remarks, Dr M tells Isma

KUALA LUMPUR - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad urges leaders of Malaysian Muslim Solidarity (Isma) to stop making statements that could cause racial disharmony.

He said Isma should stop making controversial religious and racial remarks.

Dr Mahathir was referring to a recent statement by Isma president Datuk Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman, who described Chinese as "trespassers" and calling for hudud to be imposed on all Malaysians.

"The fact is that Chinese are already here. They are Malaysian citizens and they have all the right to enjoy the privilege as Malaysians.

"He (Abdullah Zaik) should keep such comments to himself," Dr Mahathir said after launching the book Reminiscences of Insurrection: Malaysia's Battle Against Terrorism 1960-1990 here yesterday.

Commenting on the proposal by Isma that hudud should be applied to all Malaysians, Dr Mahathir said the non-governmental organisation should acquire better understanding of the Quran.

He said the Quran taught that God did not like those who tried to create turmoil and required everyone to respect each other.

"They (Isma) should read and understand the message in the Quran thoroughly.

"All Malaysians, regardless of their ethnicity, have their rights and Isma need not instigate racial clashes or any other similar incidents," he said.

Asked on his advice to Umno leaders in conjunction with its 68th anniversary, Dr Mahathir said the party leadership should listen to the people.

"They must also consider certain suggestions made by the opposition that can benefit the people and the country.

"However, we cannot simply accept any suggestion made by them as they also have their own agenda."

Earlier, Dr Mahathir praised the coffee table book authored Lt-Col (Rtd) Mohd Azzam Mohd Hanif Ghows, which described the country's early military development and how it overcame security challenges.