The NGO was responding to some MIC leaders and Prime Minister Najib Razak who claimed Mahathir had not done much to help the Indians when he led the country.
Last September, Najib took a jab at Mahathir’s record on the progress of Indians, telling MIC members that he had done more for the community than a certain leader whose ancestors were from Kerala.
More recently, following the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman’s pledge to uplift the community if the opposition wins the 14th general election, MIC president Dr S Subramaniam said Mahathir should have taken better care of the Indian community when he was prime minister.
Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy asked why Najib had remained silent when he was a minister in Mahathir’s cabinet and while serving as Pahang menteri besar.
Waytha added that Subramaniam had also kept mum when he was a deputy minister during Mahathir’s era.
“There is no record of Najib having ever spoken up for the Indian community or making any contribution for the Indians when he was serving under Mahathir.”
Waytha said the criticism against Mahathir was purely out of fear of the PH prime ministerial candidate’s increasing popularity.
“They could have said something then, but they’re only doing so now. The fact is that all these people are threatened by the thought of Mahathir making a comeback.
“Prices of goods have shot up, fuel prices have gone up, and on top of that, we’re being given the extra burden of the goods and services tax (GST). The mismanagement of the country’s economy has caused hardship to the ordinary people of Malaysia.”
He urged the Indian community to give Mahathir a chance, saying that from personal experience, he believed Mahathir wanted to rectify past mistakes.
“At 93 years old, Mahathir would not cause injustice to the Indians. I have personally spoken to him many times and I have brought up the issue of 800,000 displaced estate workers who were given raw deals when they were kicked out of estates.
“I have brought up the lack of job opportunities, educational opportunities and the marginalisation of Indians in the economic development of the country, as well as the issue of stateless Indians, and he assured me that those issues would be addressed.”
Waytha also reminded the Indian community that even those who had been wronged during Mahathir’s time had now forgiven him and were willing to give him another chance.
“Hindraf urges Indians to unite under a formidable pact led by Mahathir. Even Anwar Ibrahim, Mohamad Sabu, Lim Kit Siang and many others who were in prison for various political reasons have all forgiven him for the sake of saving Malaysia.
“We have no other choice, unless we want to be forever shortchanged with various so-called blueprints dangled in front of us by the current administration which has lied to our marginalised community time and time again.”
Hindraf will be hosting a talk with Mahathir at Wisma Teng Chin in Klang on Feb 14 at 8pm, where Waytha has assured that tough questions will be asked.
“Hindraf urges the Indians to attend the heart-to-heart talk with Mahathir, who has asked to meet the ordinary working-class Indians. Hindraf has provided an opportunity for people to come and listen to him personally.
“He will explain his role and what transpired during his tenure as prime minister. One should not blame him without knowing the facts. Give him a chance.”