"Speaking Malay Doesn't Define Loyalty" — Shahril Disputes Tun M's Claim On Non-Malays
In addition, Khairy stated that questioning loyalty based on ethnicity is unreasonable and unfair.
By Melissa Alvina — 17 Jan 2024, 01:01 PM
In response to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's recent controversial claims, former UMNO information chief Shahril Hamdan asserted that the loyalty of non-Malays to the country should not hinge on proficiency in the national language
He made this statement during a recent episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast, which he co-hosts with former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
In the episode, which was uploaded on YouTube on 15 January, Shahril disagreed with Mahathir's assertion that Malaysian Chinese and Indians are "not completely loyal" to the country because they have not assimilated into Malay culture.
Shahril argued that the loyalty of the non-Malays towards the country should not be questioned based on language or cultural practices.
"Just because they are not Malays and are not practising the Malay culture or don't speak in Malay, it doesn't make them any less Malaysian," he said.
"I am disappointed. I think he should have not said such a hurtful statement," he added.
Shahril also said that it is impractical to demand non-Malays to become Malays
He said that there is a component in the constitution that defines Malays as Muslim. Considering the context of the Malaysian constitution, Shahril said it is not feasible to demand non-Malays to become Malays.
"Unless you force them to convert to Islam, which is not Islamic to begin with," he said.
Shahril then highlighted the contradiction in such expectations and advocated for acknowledging and appreciating the integration model in Malaysia, which also holds its own merits.
Following that, KJ also emphasised the importance of celebrating the integration system and not forcing other races to adhere to the dominant culture of the country
Khairy mentioned that during a podcast where Mahathir suggested that the Malaysian Indians and Chinese should assimilate into Malay culture, he and Shahril attempted to counter Mahathir's ideology by celebrating integration rather than imposing assimilation.
He stated that questioning loyalty based on ethnicity is unreasonable and unfair, as Malaysians, regardless of their background, have proven their loyalty over decades as a nation.
Khairy also expressed his opinion that regardless of being Malay or not, Malaysians have a shared responsibility to dignify the national language, Malay, as the common language.
He emphasised the importance of Malaysians being fluent in the national language to prevent others from using the argument that a lack of fluency in Malay implies disloyalty to the country.
