KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23: Expert of the Constitution, Dr Abdul Aziz Bari recommended that the police investigate former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the issue of giving citizenship to foreigners in Sabah to achieve a particular result in the election.
In fact, the actions of Dr Mahathir for bringing in the First Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra’s granting of citizenship to the Chinese, Indians and other races before independence is irrelevant and ridiculous.
He said that the issue will surely raise dissatisfaction among Malaysians of Chinese or Indian descent.
“It’s like disputing that the Chinese and Indians are getting citizenship rights, like it is not in accordance with the law.
“There should be someone to make a report to the police and the police to investigate Dr Mahathir,” he said yesterday in the Academic Freedom and Fundamental Rights Forum at the Chinese Assembly Hall, here.
Dr Aziz said what Tunku Abdul Rahman did was transparent and open, based on recommendations and negotiations and not cheating.
He said the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) which is currently conducting an investigation should investigate fraud committed involving Dr Mahathir.
“Until now anyone can apply for citizenship in accordance with the rules. What Dr Mahathir did in 1994 was done surreptitiously–Project M with thousands (of citizenship) given to people of the Philippines and others,” he said.
In relation to free education as promised by Pakatan Rakyat (PR), Dr Aziz said that previous claims that bankruptcy will happen should free education be given is unfounded given the proof shown by the PR-led Selangor Government in carrying out various programmes.