‘Pakatan MPs a bunch of hypocrites’

MCA's Dr Mah Hang Soon ticks off Pakatan reps for their failure to condemn protesters' unruly behaviour at the Dong Zong rally yesterday.

PETALING JAYA: MCA national youth deputy chairman Dr Mah Hang Soon criticised Pakatan Rakyat for not condemning the unruly behaviour of the crowd at yesterday’s rally at the New Era college in Kajang.

Deputy Education Minister Wee Ka Siong was jeered and almost punched when he attended the United Chinese School Commitees Association’s (Dong Zong) protest rally (also known as 325 rally).

“If they do not condone heckling from the audience, why did Pakatan leaders in attendance not address the crowds and advise them to be at their best behaviour?

“Thus far, there has been no criticism or condemnation of the unruly behaviour of the crowd by Pakatan legislators. Sheer hypocrisy, that’s what it is,” said Mah.

“On one hand, they preach the right to freedom of expression and assembly but do nothing to ensure the right to personal security or to respect differing opinions.”

Wee, who is also MCA’s national youth leader, managed to dodge the punch thrown by a disgruntled protester at the rally.

The 325 rally, organised by Dong Zong, was held to protest the government’s failure to address Chinese teachers shortage in Chinese schools.

Condoning boorish behaviour
Mah, also the Perak MCA Youth chief and Chenderiang state rep, said that by maintaining their silence over the incident, Pakatan Rakyat leaders seemed to condoning loutish behaviour.

Among the Pakatan leaders at the rally were Batu MP Tian Chua of PKR, Machang MP Saifuddin Nasution of Machang and Seputeh MP and Kinrara state rep, Teresa Kok of the DAP.

“It appears to be a trend for Pakatan leaders to condone heckling, verbal abuse and where physical safety of any BN leader is at stake,” said Mah.

He cited another incident where Wanita MCA Penang chief, Tan Cheng Liang, was heckled and taunted in the presence of Bukit Mertajam MP Chong Eng of the DAP.

“Supporters have every right to a differing opinion from the government or education ministry or BN but they should never resort to harassment or violence against any individual.

“To do so is to abuse the right to freedom of expression, and disrespecting the right of individuals to safeguard their personal well being ,” said Mah.