Shahrir: Dr M’s criticism of Bangsa Johor stems from ‘overshadowed’ Bangsa Malaysia

(The Star) – Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Samad believes that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism towards Bangsa Johor was because it has overshadowed his own Bangsa Malaysia concept.

The Johor Baru MP said the former prime minister’s recent claim that Bangsa Johor would divide the people might have stemmed from his dissatisfaction of the concept which has been in the limelight of late.

“Tun Mahathir introduced Bangsa Malaysia back then in line with Wawasan 2020, which had since fizzled out compared to the response that Bangsa Johor is getting nowadays. Maybe that is why (he made such statements),” he told reporters.

Shahrir added that Johor always had its own way and style of doing things that people from other states might not understand.

Dr Mahathir drew a slew of criticism after claiming that the Bangsa Johor concept, will divide Malaysians and could even result in the breakup of the Malaysian federation.