By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran,
28th August 2024 – Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, recently addressed long-standing discussions about his ancestry.
While many have labeled him as Indian Muslim due to his paternal lineage, Dr. Mahathir clarified that his ancestry, while possibly tracing back to India, aligns more with the broader historical context of Penang Malay Muslims, many of whom have similar backgrounds. He emphasized his Malay identity, noting that the classification of race in Malaysia has broader implications.
Dr. Mahathir’s clarification highlights the complex and diverse nature of Malaysian heritage.
Dr. Mahathir’s remarks underscore the intricate blend of cultures and identities within the Malay Muslim community, particularly in Penang.
His father, Mohamad Iskandar, was of Indian origin, but Dr. Mahathir’s upbringing and identity have always been rooted in the Malay culture. He expressed pride in being Malay and pointed out that the term “Malay” in Malaysia covers various ethnic backgrounds, including those with Indian or Arab ancestry. This broad definition has played a crucial role in shaping Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society.
Dr. Mahathir also mentioned that while he acknowledges his Indian heritage, his Malay identity is tied to the constitutional definition in Malaysia, which encompasses anyone who practices Malay customs and Islam, irrespective of their ethnic origin.
His statement is a reflection of Malaysia’s unique racial and cultural landscape, where identity is often defined by a mix of ancestry, culture, and religion rather than just ethnicity, as stated in Malaymail.
