Bugis want action on Mahathir

Johor: Persatuan Bugis Johor has called on the police to investigate and take action against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who delivered a speech that was "insulting and racist".Its President Datuk Awang Mohamad said Dr Mahathir made a statement calling the Bugis people "pirates" which has hurt the feelings of about six million Bugis in Malaysia and Nusantara.

"We fully condemn such rude statement by Dr Mahathir.

"We have lodged two reports and there will be more so that Dr Mahathir can make a public apology," he said.

Kota Tinggi Association of Bugis Chairman Abd Kader Basok also lodged a report against Dr Mahathir at Bandar Penawar police station in Kota Tinggi.

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"The speech of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was not a speech of a statesman that wanted to create harmony living and peace in the country.

"In fact, several Sultans in Malaysia were of Bugis descent. I am calling on the relevant enforcement authorities to detain Dr Mahathir under the Sedition Act for the interest of the peace, public order and nation's security," Kader said.

Meanwhile, the Malaysia United Bugis Cluster Association Sabah has also demanded an apology from Dr Mahathir.

Its president Samsul Alang Hamsah said the remark was unbecoming of a former prime minister who had for 22 years helmed Malaysia as a nation known for its diverse ethnic groups, religions and cultures.

"Are these the words that should come from a so-called leader of the people of Malaysia?

Does he not realise that Malaysia is a melting pot of indigenous people and migrants?" he said.

He said Mahathir's act in allegedly branding Bugis people as "lanun" or pirates was akin to insulting Chinese people as being gangsters or triad members.

"He should remember that he is also the son of an immigrant," Samsul said.

"Would he like it if someone told his forefathers " to go back to Kerala?" he said.

Mahathir's paternal ancestry is known to be from the state of Kerala in India.

Samsul said the words uttered by Mahathir at the rally were not only offensive to the Bugis community but were also reckless as he was playing the racial card in his politicking.

Samsul said Mahathir's grievance with Najib had clouded his judgment and conduct in the public arena.

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"I sincerely hope that the people can see that this once revered leader has stooped so low in his mission to topple a leader that he is willing to offend an entire race of people who are genuine citizens of Malaysia," he said.

He said Mahathir should be imparting wisdom and guidance to the younger generation in his twilight years, instead of being divisive and causing disharmony among the people.

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