THE problem with the Malay Dignity Congress earlier this month was its content, and not the gathering itself, said Khalid Abdul Samad.

In remarks that run counter to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s defence of the event, the Federal Territories minister said the congress has sparked racial hatred.

“The gathering was not the problem, but the content was,” tweeted the Amanah communications director.

“All the races, even clans, have gatherings among themselves to discuss their problems, and how to improve their position and that of the nation.

“But when it works to create racial hatred and strife, then, it becomes racist.”

In the post, Khalid tagged a news report on Dr Mahathir, in which the prime minister said it hurt him to hear the congress accused of racism.

Dr Mahathir, in a blog post yesterday, said other ethnic groups, too, can hold gatherings to discuss their own affairs.

The Bersatu chairman reiterated that he attended the congress in Shah Alam on October 6 because “I am Malay”.

“It hurts me to think that in their own country, the indigenous people are not supposed to have their own gatherings without being accused of being racist.”

The congress was attended by thousands, including leaders and representatives of Malay parties and civil groups, as well as academics.

The event has drawn brickbats for advocating a Malay supremacist worldview – that Malaysia belongs only to Malays, and other communities remain “foreigners” despite having lived here for generations.

Some speakers called for top posts in the government to be held only by Malays, and the abolition of vernacular schools.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, who was not invited to the congress, has slammed the organisers for stirring up racial sentiments so as to cover up corruption and inequality in the Malay community.

Yesterday, police questioned Professor Dr Zainal Kling, the chief executive of the congress’ secretariat, over his speech at the event.

In fiery opening remarks, he touched on, among others, the special privileges accorded to the community and the position of the Malay rulers as stated in the federal constitution. – October 26, 2019.