Mahathir goes theatrical in speech.
- Viral video on Mahathir mimicking fat people waddling
- Criticised for body shaming
- Claims he is slim because he does not “makan rasuah” (take bribes)
In a speech in Kubang Pasu, Kedah, on May 16, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made fun of fat people. He also said that he is slim because he does not “makan rasuah” (take bribes).
Subsequently, a video went viral, taking Mahathir to task for body shaming with regards to his remarks on fat people.
According to The Star, the viral video starts with the words: “Is this the standard of our statesman? Standard of a party chairman? Mocking someone’s wife? Mocking the body size of bigger people?”
The video clip then shows an excerpt of Mahathir’s speech, where he said, “Everyone knows I eat too little, that is why I’m skinny.”
“I don’t want to be fat like certain people who are very rotund. Like someone’s wife, when she walks it’s like (mimics waddling). I don’t want to be like that,” he said.
The viral video then ends with the words: “Larger sized people should not support low-standard people like this who likes to mock others. Driven by vengeance, Dr Mahathir has gone mad and has lost his class and dignity.”
Among those who have criticised Mahathir for his “fat” remarks was Minister for Youth and Sports Khairy Jamaluddin.
“Bet he gets a free pass for fat-shaming a woman. Free pass. All day, every day,” he said on Twitter.