Former MCA vice-president, Gan Ping Sieu, writes in his Facebook page today on the comments by China's ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Huang Huikang, calling the remarks on Chinatown inappropriate. – The Malaysian Insider pic, September 26, 2015.Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang's visit to Petaling Street yesterday, though well-meaning, is counter-productive, unnecessary and can be manipulated to the detriment of the country's frayed racial harmony, a former MCA leader said.
Gan Ping Sieu, a former MCA vice-president, said in a Facebook posting, that the ambassador's remarks on the rally that was planned for today at Petalng Street could be interpreted as interfering in Malaysia's domestic affairs.
"It is apparent that the remarks and the choice of words used by His Excellency in stating his view on the attempted 'red shirt' rally 2 could easily be misconstrued and perceived as expressing a stand on what is essentially our nation's domestic affairs," the Kluang MCA division chief said, referring to the rally that was called off yesterday on the advice of police.
"His visit to Petaling Street and meeting up with the traders and business leaders there, for the festive season, moral encouragement or otherwise, are also uncharacteristic of the usual tasks, nor even in the usual course of diplomatic mission, of an ambassador," Gan said.
Dr Huang will be summoned to Wisma Putra to explain his visit to Petaling Street yesterday and his remarks made during the visit, Th Star reported.
The portal reported an unnamed official from Wisma Putra as saying Malaysia viewed the ambassador's remarks seriously.
"It is tantamount to interfering in Malaysia's domestic affairs," the officlal was quoted saying.
Meanwhile, Penang Institute fellow Dr Wong Chin Huat said China has the right to state its concerns on the safety of its citizens and their properties in Malaysia or in any other countries.
Writing on his Facebook, he said, however, the Chinese government has no right to represent Malaysian Chinese, just as Malaysia does not represent the Chinese in Singapore or the Malay community in Thailand.
"As such, the Chinese ambassador should withdraw his most inappropriate statement or give a clarification if there is any misinterpretation of his statement so that there would not be any misunderstanding as though China is giving protection to some Malaysians.
"As a Malaysian Chinese, I strenuously oppose if the ambassador has the wrong impression that I need foreign interference in my country's domestic affairs," he added.
Petaling Street, also known as Chinatown, was the scene of chaos on September 16 when police had to use water cannons to disperse a crowd of “red shirt” protesters who wanted to force their way into the area.
One of the leaders of the rally, Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, had earlier warned that the group of protesters will turn up again in Chinatown today to demand the authorities raid the traders who he alleged were involved in selling fake goods and running other illegal businesses.
The Sungai Besar Umno division leader later denied any involvement in today's rally, saying it was never his intention to cause alarm among traders and visitors to the area.
Jamal was arrested by police last night to facilitate investigations into his alleged statement that there would be a riot at Petaling Street today.
- TMI
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