Chua slams ugly politicking on social media sites

Chua showing the picture of mock altar with candles and joss stick set up in front of Najib’s photo.

(The Star) - Pictures of a mock altar with candles and joss sticks placed before Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's photographs are circulating on social media sites.

MCA Young Professionals Bureau chief Datuk Chua Tee Yong said this was an example of how ugly politics in the country had become, with social media becoming a hub for “ugly behaviour”.

He said the feedback he received regarding the circulation of the pictures was that no one should go to such an extent.

“All are free to make their own political choices but they should also respect those who have differing views,” he said when contacted.

Chua believed that the pictures, which he received through WhatsApp messenger, was being widely circulated.

He urged the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission to investigate and act against the culprits.

“There is an ongoing hate campaign which is escalating and in the long term, it is detrimental to the country.

“Is this what the opposition is encouraging? All this started with them promoting street demonstrations and hate campaigns,'' he added.

Chua said that after the 2008 general election, the opposition had been espousing a two-party system which he said had spawned into hate campaigns.

“Politics has become so ugly that it has created discomfort among the middle-aged and older generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chua said it could be “a sign of conscience” when PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awangadmitted that two of the pledges contained in the opposition manifesto would be difficult to achieve.

Abdul Hadi was reported to have said during a dialogue recently that it would take a long time before toll could be abolished due to the financial burden of having to compensate highway operators.

He was also quoted as saying that the country faced the risk of recession if vehicle import duties were lowered drastically.