Summary of the speech
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong
at the party's dinner in Klang
on 15 June, 2002
Returning from his visit to Vatican, Luxemburg and Switzerland on 14 June, 2002, Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad criticized DAP for opposing his announcement of Malaysia as an Islamic State. He did not agree with setting 10% quota for Malays in private institutes of higher learning.
For the future, he opposes the Malay quota. But, his announcement of Malaysia as an Islamic State contravenes the spirit of the Federal Constitution. We believe that he should reconsider the announcement and elucidate what he actually means.
An Islamic State is different from an Islamic Country or Nation. Muslims constitutes 50% of the population in Malaysia, meaning that it is an Islamic Country or Nation. But, under parliamentary democracy, the constitution does not provide for ruling the country by any religion.
OBFUSCATION
On June 15, 2002, the New Straits Times highlighted 'Islamic State: PM hits out at DAP'. Then, it quoted Dr Mahathir as saying 'this country is acknowledged by the whole world as an Islamic country. We also declared that it is an Islamic country, (an) Islamic country where non-Muslims can live in peace, get fair treatment and justice.'
"Malaysia is internationally recognized as a model Islamic nation whose population was liberal and prepared to live harmoniously with those of other faiths," he added.
Clearly, the Prime Minister mixes Islamic State with Islamic Nation or Country. He must clarify.
ENQUIRY
This country has over 500 private institutes of higher learning with over 50,000 enrolments. Those operated by non-Malays are short of Malay students. Dr Mahathir does not agree with fixing a 10% quota for Malays. He is thinking far ahead here.
We advocate adopting a policy of merits and needs. We propose that the Government enquire into the true reasons for the shortage of Malays in these institutions so that workable solutions can be found.