Today’s column is neither a history lesson nor a mini-transcript for future editions of Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah (Today in History).
These are important dates that some of our political leaders tend to forget when they selectively choose to use them to attack any form of relations with China.
May 31, 1974: Malaysia establishes diplomatic relations with China.
Dec 2, 1989: The Peace Agreement of Hat Yai was signed to mark the end of the communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989). It was signed and ratified by the Malayan Communist Party (MCP), and the Malaysian and Thailand governments.
Feb 22, 2016: The first Chinese university campus in Malaysia, Xiamen University Malaysia, opened for enrolment.
Aug 9, 2017: Then-prime minister Najib Abdul Razak presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which forms part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Having established diplomatic relations 50 years ago and promoting trade, education, and culture thereafter, what are Umno leaders complaining about former DAP activist Hew Kuan Yau’s comic book “Belt and Road Initiative for Win-Winism”?
According to Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi, the book allegedly glorifies former Communist Party of Malaya leader Ong Boon Hua, also known as Chin Peng, and spreads communist ideology.
“The rakyat is disappointed with the Home Ministry’s decision to lift the ban on the comic book. The government must find a way for the ban to continue,” Puad reportedly said yesterday.
The Home Ministry banned the book in October 2019, citing concerns that it promotes communism and socialism, and spreads misleading information about communism.
Apex court has decided
The book was released to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia but the authorities accused it of painting a glowing picture of China and its Belt and Road Initiative while portraying the Western world in a negative light.
It was also banned as its contents were deemed prejudicial to public order.
Hew filed for a judicial review against the move but the High Court dismissed his application in April 2021.
Following this, the Court of Appeal overturned the ruling in June and lifted the ban, prompting the Home Ministry to appeal at the Federal Court.
In December 2022, the Federal Court upheld the quashing of the ban. Subsequently, Hew Kuan obtained a court order for the government to pay him more than RM51,000 in damages over the ban.
His lawyer Vince Tan said the damages encompassed RM51,465 for legal fees, which included RM325 for the government seizure of 13 comic books, noting that the court made no order as to costs.
So, how does the government find ways to ban the book when the highest court in the land lifted the ministry’s ban on the orders of the Federal Court? Wouldn’t it be contemptuous for the government to ignore the court decision?
Some forms of communism seem acceptable
“The comic glorifies Chin Peng. It subtly spreads communism. Many members of the security forces lost their lives in the armed struggle against the communists,” Puad wrote on Facebook yesterday.
He noted that the communists continued to fight against the government long after the country achieved independence.
But has everyone forgotten the Hatyai Accord when they laid down arms and were allowed to settle in either Malaysia or Thailand?
What about Malaysian Umno leaders sending their children to China for tertiary education? Wouldn’t they have been more brainwashed with such ideology over three years on campus compared to reading a comic book?
What about Xiamen University in Selangor? Would a comic book have more influence than the lecturers and their lectures?
What about Chinese nationals working on the ECRL? Wouldn’t they be spreading the same ideology to the local workforce?
Not to be left out, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh chimed in, writing on Facebook: “To prevent injustice, we urge the government to file a judicial review application on the matter.”
Indeed, a leader who leads a flock of thousands of members would be expected to be well-versed in the system and laws but in this case, he is lost.
The recent case where he asked his wing members nationwide to lodge police reports against Malaysiakini and its columnist Andrew Sia over the use of the word “apartheid” is illustrative of such qualities.
Then, he threw in his favourite card: “… the sensitivities of the majority Malay Muslims need to be prioritised and preserved to ensure the stability of this country.”
But then, Umno members are selective when it comes to criticism. They never uttered a word when it emerged that the cost of the ECRL was inflated.
Of course, the names of the perpetrators are public knowledge and, of course, the chants of “justice for Najib” will be heard at the assembly hall, which is an extension of that selective amnesia when it comes to their leaders - past and present.
All about politics
This is not about sensitivities, communism, or ideology. It concerns the Umno general assembly in two weeks and the party elections in 2026.
These are the war drums beating in the background and the assembly will be the stage for incumbents to establish themselves and for wannabes to stake their claims.
At this time, many want to be heard and shout out loud, even if it sounds illogical, which is par for the course.
After it ends on Aug 24, it will be quiet and business will be usual. They will embrace and welcome Chinese businesses and their investments.
It will continue as an abang-adik (siblings) relationship until another round of party husting is around the corner. Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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