Wee hits back at DAP over calls for MCA to condemn Sanusi

 

MCA president Wee Ka Siong has responded to DAP leaders who urged his party to speak up against Perikatan Nasional election director Sanusi Nor, accusing the Pakatan Harapan component of selective outrage and political theatre.

Wee said DAP’s attempt to portray itself as the sole defender of the Chinese community was unconvincing, claiming the party had also resorted to racial and religious rhetoric when politically convenient.

He cited speeches by former DAP member Hew Kuan Yau and party vice-president Nga Kor Ming, which he claimed had been criticised for insulting certain races and religions.

“DAP should, therefore, spare Malaysians the selective outrage and political theatre.

“MCA is prepared to arrange a private screening of these speeches and remarks for anyone who has conveniently forgotten them,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, two DAP MPs demanded that MCA state its position on Sanusi’s remarks, which they said portrayed Chinese and Indian Malaysians as foreigners in their own country.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Kampar MP Chong Zhemin questioned Wee’s purported silence after MIC president SA Vigneswaran rejected Sanusi’s comments and called for BN to reconsider its electoral cooperation with PN.

‘Sanusi should clarify’

Wee today criticised DAP’s performance in government, claiming that issues such as the rising cost of living, economic pressures, education and challenges faced by businesses remained unresolved despite repeated promises.

At the same time, he urged Sanusi to promptly clarify remarks attributed to him that allegedly questioned the loyalty or sense of belonging of Chinese Malaysians.

Wee said such statements should be avoided as they could undermine national unity and create unnecessary misunderstanding.

“The remarks attributed to the Kedah Menteri Besar (Sanusi) have understandably caused concern among Chinese Malaysians.

“Such remarks do not help national unity and only create unnecessary misunderstanding at a time when the country needs greater cohesion,” he said.

Sanusi Nor

Wee stressed that Malaysia belonged equally to all its citizens, regardless of race or region.

“Chinese, Malays, Indians, Sabahans, Sarawakians, and every other community are citizens of this country. Malaysia is our only homeland,” he said.

However, the Ayer Hitam MP said public discussion of Sanusi’s remarks must be fair and based on the full context of what was said.

ADS

“If Sanusi’s statement has been misunderstood or inaccurately interpreted, he should clarify his remarks clearly and promptly so that unnecessary tension can be defused,” he added.

Mutual respect

Wee said MCA had consistently opposed racial rhetoric, regardless of whether it came from political opponents or allies.

“Our principles do not change according to the identity or political affiliation of the person making the statement,” he said.

He added that MCA’s cooperation with other political parties was based on mutual respect, the Federal Constitution, the Rukun Negara and the rights and interests of all Malaysians.

Wee said MCA would continue to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese community while working towards a stable, moderate and inclusive Malaysia.

“We reject any attempt to divide Malaysians along racial or religious lines, regardless of where it comes from.

“Our focus should be on strengthening unity, respecting one another and addressing the real challenges facing the nation, rather than exploiting race and religion to manufacture political narratives that further polarise society,” he said.

Apart from Wee and Vigneswaran, BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier also urged Sanusi to stay out of the Negeri Sembilan campaign trail. - Mkini