“There are former leaders who are trying to cover their wrongdoings by insulting the people, Malays and even (by claiming) the Chinese and Indians are not loyal to the country,” he said without mentioning names in a speech at an event in Universiti Putra Malaysia.

“Such outdated views will destroy the country. I hope the people, especially the younger generation, will not entertain such views.”

Mahathir, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, had come under criticism for remarks he made about Indians in a recent interview.

In the interview with Chennai-based Tamil news channel Thanthi TV, Mahathir said Indians in Malaysia must remember that they are Malaysians more than they are immigrants from other countries.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Anwar said Mahathir’s remarks were irrelevant.

“He is not being responsible (by) insulting the different races, (claiming) Malays are lazy, Indians and Chinese are not loyal.

“We oppose such remarks. To me, all loyal citizens are loyal. We must respect each other regardless of race.”

He also said Mahathir’s remarks were an attempt to distract the people from other issues, without elaborating on what these issues might be.

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