Dr Chua denies racist motive in Bumiputera proposal

Dr Chua denied that his remarks in question were racist or seditious in nature. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek today denied making racially-tinged remarks at a recent economic congress organised by the MCA, where he suggested a gradual reduction of Bumiputera quotas.

The MCA president had his statement recorded by police today in connection with a complaint lodged against him for the allegedly seditious remarks.

Dr Chua had proposed at the Chinese Economic Congress on August 14, a gradual reduction of the 30 per cent Bumiputera quota and the introduction of price preference to allow the community to compete on an equitable basis.

Dr Chua told reporters today that the speech made was for the betterment of the country and not to instigate racial strife.

“My speech is not racist. My speech is regarding how we can liberalise the economy. As far as I am concerned there is nothing wrong with my speech.

“What I said is for the good for the country — specifically the economic sector. There were no ulterior motives,” he said at the Dang Wangi police headquarters.

Dr Chua also provided a copy of his speech to the police.

“I hope with the text, the police can examine and understand the contents of the speech,” he said.

On August 18, Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali filed a report against Dr Chua at the Tun HS Lee Police Station.

“We are not allowed to question the sovereignty of the people. Bumiputera’s rights cannot be questioned by whomever... whoever who questions Malay’s rights will have actions taken against (that person),” Syed Hassan had then warned.

courtesy of Malaysian Insider