DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang has urged PKR's Machang Bubuk state assemblyperson Lee Khai Loon to consider apologising over his kangkung-themed flash mob targeting the prime minister on Jan 16.
"Lee should consider an apology especially as there are those who regard such protest action as excessive, offensive and insensitive," he said in a statement today.
Lim (left) said he too thought that the flash mob, which stuffed kangkung into the mouth of an effigy of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, was excessive, offensive, and insensitive.
The apology should take into consideration the importance of not allowing irresponsible quarters to look for excuses in inciting racial and religious hatred, said Lim.
He was referring to two Umno-backed counter-protests against Lee over the weekend.
At one protest, they threatened a repeat of the May 13, 1969 riots, while another turned violent when two bystanders were beaten up.
Lim, who is also Gelang Patah MP, warned there are parties out to create another racial riot for "selfish short-term political interest".
"Like a thief shouting ‘thief’, those who want to create another May 13 go round asking whether others want to create another May 13," he said.
"Lee (left) has to decide whether to apologise for the incident, which hopefully will start a virtuous circle for all political leaders and activists to be extraordinarily sensitive to the sensibilities, not only of a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, but also the very inflamed political situation at present..."
'No excuse for Umno's racial protest'
However, Lim also said that there was no excuse for the Umno-backed protests which were out to incite tension and conflict.
He condemned Umno for racialising the flash mob as ‘Chinese insulting Malay leaders’ and for targeting the DAP which was not at all involved.
"Although Lee’s protest action can be regarded as excessive, offensive and insensitive, he had made it clear it was never meant to insult the prime minister but to highlight the people’s burden and hardships as a result of the price hikes," Lim said.
Lim said stunts such as the ‘butt dance’ by pro-government group in front of former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan's house had been worse.
He called on BN's top leaders to weigh in on attempts to incite racial and religious division.
"The line between patriots and traitors must be drawn to save Malaysia from another May 13.
"Malaysia is (facing) unusual times. This is a time when all political leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, must prove that they in the ranks of patriots who want an united, harmonious, prosperous and successful Malaysia.
“(They must) have no hesitation or compunction in dissociating themselves from traitors who are preaching racial and religious hatred, tension and conflict to create another May 13.”
"Lee should consider an apology especially as there are those who regard such protest action as excessive, offensive and insensitive," he said in a statement today.Lim (left) said he too thought that the flash mob, which stuffed kangkung into the mouth of an effigy of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, was excessive, offensive, and insensitive.
The apology should take into consideration the importance of not allowing irresponsible quarters to look for excuses in inciting racial and religious hatred, said Lim.
He was referring to two Umno-backed counter-protests against Lee over the weekend.
At one protest, they threatened a repeat of the May 13, 1969 riots, while another turned violent when two bystanders were beaten up.
Lim, who is also Gelang Patah MP, warned there are parties out to create another racial riot for "selfish short-term political interest"."Like a thief shouting ‘thief’, those who want to create another May 13 go round asking whether others want to create another May 13," he said.
"Lee (left) has to decide whether to apologise for the incident, which hopefully will start a virtuous circle for all political leaders and activists to be extraordinarily sensitive to the sensibilities, not only of a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, but also the very inflamed political situation at present..."
'No excuse for Umno's racial protest'
However, Lim also said that there was no excuse for the Umno-backed protests which were out to incite tension and conflict.
He condemned Umno for racialising the flash mob as ‘Chinese insulting Malay leaders’ and for targeting the DAP which was not at all involved.
"Although Lee’s protest action can be regarded as excessive, offensive and insensitive, he had made it clear it was never meant to insult the prime minister but to highlight the people’s burden and hardships as a result of the price hikes," Lim said.
Lim said stunts such as the ‘butt dance’ by pro-government group in front of former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan's house had been worse.He called on BN's top leaders to weigh in on attempts to incite racial and religious division.
"The line between patriots and traitors must be drawn to save Malaysia from another May 13.
"Malaysia is (facing) unusual times. This is a time when all political leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, must prove that they in the ranks of patriots who want an united, harmonious, prosperous and successful Malaysia.
“(They must) have no hesitation or compunction in dissociating themselves from traitors who are preaching racial and religious hatred, tension and conflict to create another May 13.”
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