Ahmad Zahid: My statement in Utusan not racist, just practical

 

(The Star) – “I am not being racist… I am just being practical in saying such groups should go to countries where they can translate their political beliefs into reality”

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has defended his statement which called for groups which did not accept the country’s political system to migrate to countries with systems that suit them.

The Umno vice-president, who has been criticised for it, clarified that his statement was taken out of context by certain irresponsible parties.

“I actually said those who are not confident of our political system to berhijrah to countries with political systems that suited them.

“I am not being racist… I am just being practical in saying such groups should go to countries where they can translate their political beliefs into reality,” he said yesterday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said people should not read the statement out of context, urging readers to read the full Utusan Malaysia article.

He explained that Malaysia inherited the Commonwealth system and those who think that the system in the United States or other countries were more suitable could migrate there.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also lambasted the Opposition for disputing the general election results but recognising the results for Selangor, Penang and Kelantan, where they won.

“They are disputing the results very selectively,” he said.