‘I offer no apology for what I had said’ in UN on Kashmir issue: Dr Mahathir Mohammad  

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammad

Srinagar, August 09: Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohammad has said that he was no apologetic about his speech on Kashmir issue during the last year United Nation (UN) General Assembly session despite being aware of the potential backlash for such a position.    

“I had chosen to speak out despite being aware of the potential backlash,” Mahathir said while addressing an event held in Kuala Lumpur on the anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 on August 05.

He said that keeping quite on Kashmir issue was not an option for him.

“To my mind, keeping quiet is not an option….when all the tell-tale signs were pointing towards another situation whereby a big and powerful country imposed its will with impunity on a small and defenceless nation,” Mahathir said.

“What transpired since my contentious speech at the UN General Assembly in September last year only served to prove that what I had said were mild and to a certain degree, restrained.”

The former Malysian prime minister said he offered no apology to anyone for what he said at UN general assembly on Kashmir.

“I offer no apology for what I had said though I am sorry that it had affected our palm oil export to India. I don’t know if that is a high price to pay for speaking out against such injustices,” Mahathir said.

“Now that I am no more the Prime Minister, I take it that I can now speak without restrain and address the Kashmir issue without threats of boycotts and such”.

During his last year’s address at UN General Assembly, Dr Mahathir had said, “despite UN resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, the country has been invaded and occupied. There may be reasons for this action but it is still wrong.” He had called for resolution of the issue by peaceful means.

“India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem. Ignoring the UN would lead to other forms of disregard for the UN and the rule of law,” he had remarked at the United Nations.

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