Malaysia must move away from the 2R (race and religion) sentiment if it wants to become a world-class nation, said DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.
“If Malaysia wants to be world-class, we have to talk about the future and (the courage) to dream big; about inter-ethnic, inter-religious ties and understanding, as well as tolerance and harmony,” the octogenarian told reporters after having his statement recorded at the SEA Park police station in SS2, Petaling Jaya this morning.
“We have been wasting a lot of time throughout the year on the 2R narrative and we must break away from it. We must all unite and work together (toward advancing Malaysia),” he added.
The questioning was over Lim’s comments about the possibility of a non-Malay being appointed as the prime minister.
On Nov 30, Lim put up a blog post titled “(The) Malaysian (Federal) Constitution provides for a Malaysian Dream and not a mono-ethnic dream as it provides that a non-Malay can (also) be a prime minister”.
He made similar remarks in his speech to Malaysian students in Manchester, UK last month.
Elaborating, Lim reiterated that he was merely stating a fact from the Federal Constitution that non-Malays can become prime ministers.
Under the Federal Constitution, the only requirement for someone to be prime minister, as per Article 43(2)(a), is that the premier be an MP, who, in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s judgement, has a majority of support in Dewan Rakyat.
There are no other criteria attached for an appointment to the top executive post.
Earlier, Lim’s lawyer Khairul Khalid said that the questioning was done based on a report lodged by a member of the public.
“There was a set of 27 questions, and the session went on for about an hour.
“(Lim) answered all the questions smoothly. Although he’s 82, he’s steady,” Khairul quipped.
Accompanying the veteran politician today were his daughter Lim Hui Ying, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, as well as other DAP members.
Meanwhile, Lawyers for Liberty said Putrajaya is sending an unhealthy message that it is beyond criticism and reproach by probing Lim.
Its director Zaid Malek said the Pakatan Harapan-led government must instead protect freedom of speech, and ensure the public are protected from unwarranted criminal action for exercising their right.
“The action of the police in this instance is an affront to the constitutionally guaranteed right of freedom of expression under article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution.
“This right is strong and entrenched and can only be limited in minimal circumstances as stipulated under Article 10(2)(a), such as when it affects national security, public order and morality.
“Lim was merely stating a fact from the Federal Constitution when he said that nothing bars a non-Malay from becoming a prime minister. The fact that some people have taken offence to the statement cannot justify a criminal investigation,” Zaid said in a statement today.
According to him, the fact that there is a criminal probe initiated for a “non-existent crime” of stating a fact about the Constitution has brought the administration of justice into mockery and disrepute.
Zaid concluded the statement by urging Putrajaya to halt the probe against Lim.
According to human rights activist Jerald Joseph, every Malaysian should be able to dream about becoming the country’s prime minister regardless of their racial and religious background.
Speaking at a forum in Kuala Lumpur, the former Suhakam commissioner said there is no such thing as a lesser Malaysian in the country, stressing that every citizen is equal.
“Every country has its own majority group. India has a Hindu majority, Malaysia is a majority-Muslim country, the US, and so on.
“But does it give them the right to bypass universality and respect of human rights for all?
“Because the notion of human rights is the duty and obligation for the right of all lies in the hands of the government. It is immaterial if you belong to the majority religion or culture in the country,” he said.
Joseph was one of the panelists at a human rights forum titled ‘Universality for All in Malaysia: It’s Time Now’ co-organised by NGO Pusat Komas and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner (South East Asia Regional Office).
It was held in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
According to Joseph, who is a Pusat Komas director, having the majority cultural group determine how a country should go can risk the country sliding into fascism.
“If you are a Malaysian, you are a Malaysian. We have different cultural identities, and that is fine. But there’s only one form of citizenship.
“If there are two forms of citizenship, it begs the question if there is apartheid in Malaysia,” he said.
In his speech, Joseph said every Malaysian should also be able to aim toward becoming the leaders of government-linked companies, a general of the army, or the country’s top cop.