Selangor Sultan wants Dr M probed over Bugis remark
PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ( pix) has expressed disappointment over former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s remarks on the Bugis community at an opposition gathering recently.
The Selangor Council of the Royal Court, chaired by Sultan Sharafuddin, called for Mahathir to be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948, said Council secretary Hanafisah Jais in a statement issued on behalf of the Sultan after a meeting yesterday.
“Based on a video on social media, Mahathir’s statement that the Bugis originated from pirates, robbers and criminals has clearly insulted them.
“The Council views the remarks as totally overboard and could spread hatred and prejudice towards the Bugis community, which could lead to commotion and chaos.
“The Council members agree that Mahathir should be investigated under the Sedition Act (for this) and any other offences related to (his remarks).”
Hanafisah said Mahathir, as a leader who had helmed the country for 22 years, should have been more careful with his speech, and should have sought more facts about the Bugis community.
“Historical facts show that the Selangor Sultanate are Bugis descendants, who are warriors who had fought for and defended religion and peace in the Malay archipelago.”
Sultan Sharafuddin reminded all parties, especially politicians, to refrain from using race and ancestry as a “political tool” to gain support as it could jeopardise peace and harmony.
Mahathir, 92, had claimed at the “Love Malaysia, End Kleptocracy” rally organised by Pakatan Harapan at Padang Timur in Petaling Jaya on Oct 14, that Malaysia was being led by a prime minister who was “a thief, bandit ... a robber”.
Several parties representing the Bugis community in Malaysia as well as Indonesia have demanded an apology from Mahathir.