Ali Rustam defends 'illegal Chinese businesses' remarks

Candidate for Umno vice-president's post Mohd Ali Rustam has yesterday defended his controversial remarks accusing the Chinese of being involved in "illegal activities".

He had reportedly made the remarks at a Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) event last Tuesday, sparking criticism from political ally MCA for being "a sore loser".

"I am just saying that the Chinese can run certain businesses that are haram for Muslims - casinos, lotteries, gambling and Ah Long (money lending services).

"It is haram for Muslims to run these businesses although they have the permits to do so," he said, after speaking to about 300 supporters at a PUNB function at Kompleks Tabung Haji in George Town last night.

"Someone had misunderstood my statements and accused me of insulting non-Muslims. They claimed I made seditious and racist remarks," added the PUNB chairman.

"But the Chinese are running those businesses - how come they accused me of being racist? I find this weird. How can that be a racist statement when I'm only telling the truth?" he asked.

His statement led Kota Laksamana assemblyperson Lai Kuen Ban to lodge a report against him on Oct 9, while the police have launched a sedition probe into the matter.

But Mohd Ali questioned why certain quarters such as DAP and Chinese educationist group Dong Zong "can say whatever they like", while he cannot do the same.

"If I can't even talk about this, then what else can I say? Are you expecting me to say 4-D gambling (empat ekor) and casinos arehalal?" he retorted.

On allegations of sedition hurled against him, Mohd Ali pointed out that both Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and DAP national chief Karpal Singh were in the same boat.

He is unfazed by the allegations and the police probe, saying it will not affect his chances of winning the Umno vice-president elections tomorrow when 146,000 party members cast their ballots.

Mohd Ali is among five leaders - incumbents and ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Hishammuddin Hussein and Shafie Apdal, along with two new aspirants, Kedah MB Mukhriz Mahathir and Felda chairperson Mohd Isa Abdul Samad - eyeing the three vice-president's post in a six-cornered fight.

Playing the victim card

Earlier in his speech, Mohd Ali said some quarters felt he should not contest for the post since he had lost in the general election.

He was former Malacca chief minister and Bukit Katil parliamentarian, but he lost the seat to a PKR candidate at the May 5 polls.

"Karpal and DAP senior leader Lim Kit Siang had also lost in elections before and they are both past 70 years old, yet they are still fighting.

"PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu was also defeated a few times, PKR de factoleader Anwar (Ibrahim) and Guan Eng had gone to jail before but are now MPs, while the latter is Penang CM," he explained.

Brandishing the ‘victim' card, Mohd Ali argued that despite being hit by the "Chinese tsunami" at the nationwide polls five months ago, he nevertheless can continue to defend bumiputera rights.

"I am only 64 years old, who says I am old? In terms of stamina, I am only 24 years old and can still work 24 hours," he jested.

Mohd Ali said although he can contest in a safe seat at the general elections, he had decided to defend Bukit Katil - one of the ruling coalition's 10 marginal seats.

"I have done everything I can to serve all races, but I only managed to get very little Chinese support to secure the seat," he lamented.

Mohd Ali was beaten by PKR's Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin in the mixed seat in Malacca, which has 53 percent Malay and 41 percent Chinese voters.