Don’t blame the Chinese for May 13

Malaysians should work together to ensure unity and harmony is maintained said Chua Tee Yong

PETALING JAYA: It brings no benefit to national unity by blaming or accusing anyone of any particular race for what happened on May 13, Chua Tee Yong said today.

The Labis MP was responding to Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz’s recent statement in which the latter blamed the Chinese community for causing the infamous May 13 riots.

Nazri reportedly said that it is a “historical fact that the riot was sparked by Chinese” and likened it to “[the] fact that Nazis killed thousands of Jews
during the Second World War”.

“I am of firm belief that it brings no benefit to national unity to keep blaming or accusing anyone of any particular race for what happened on May 13,” Chua said today in a press statement.

He described the incident as a “tragedy” for Malaysians, “who have collectively worked very hard to ensure unity, peace, and stability in
the country”.

“Although Nazri is entitled to his personal views, his statements made in the capacity of a leader should not be hurtful or offensive to others, especially those of a particular race,” Chua said.

“In light of 56 years of independence, I believe what is more important is how all Malaysians – regardless of race and religion – can continue to work towards ensuring unity is maintained,” he added.

Blame the British

Chua further explained that racial segregation was practiced by the British before independence “as an economic function for profit maximisation”.

“Unfortunately, this ‘stepping stone’ long-remained after independence, and economic inequality was one of the triggers for the 1969 riots,” he said.

“Therefore, I stand firm that there is simply no benefit to blame a particular race for what happened on May 13. Malaysians from all walks of life should continuously work together to ensure unity and harmony is preserved.”

On August 31, Nazri reportedly blamed the Chinese for causing the May 13 riots before praising the controversial film Tanda Putera as a “well-researched movie” that depicts the incident.
He subsequently wondered why the present generation of Chinese was upset over it.

“This happened then. Why should the present generation of Chinese be
troubled by it now?” he was quoted as saying.

Nazri insisted that only a few individuals were to blame for the violence then, saying that the Chinese community should not feel guilty.