The lion dance troupe that recently performed in front of Najib Abdul Razak has cried foul after becoming the centre of attention for supposedly refusing to dance as a sign of protest against the prime minister.
The Malaysia Gao Feng Lion and Dragon Dance Athletic Association founder Yong Kheng Chien was quoted as saying that the association is apolitical, and such accusations could tarnish its reputation.
“I regret the selfish remarks by certain parties that have used us as capital for cheap politicking that could tarnish the association’s reputation.
“I have decided to come forward with an explanation so that the issue does not drag on, because it could lead to divisions in society.
“We do not dance to draw votes for political parties, but rather, this is a part of Chinese culture that has been passed on for generations,” BH Online quoted him as saying at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur earlier today.
The troupe had performed in the prime minister’s presence at Gerakan’s Chinese New Year open house at the party’s national headquarters on Jan 28.
In a 45-second clip by KiniTV of the performance, the lion was seen crouching motionless for several seconds in front of Najib, his wife Rosmah, Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong, and other dignitaries.
Several opposition leaders and activists such as PKR deputy youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin had insinuated that this was a sign of protest.
However, Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang had explained that the lion was motionless because performers were busy peeling a pomelo and several oranges underneath the costume. He also showed a 38-second video [see below] of the lion serving a dish full of fruits to the VIPs.
BH Online also quoted Yong as saying that he was not holding the press conference today because of pressure from Gerakan, but to clear the association’s name to preserve the image of lion dances.
“Many media outlets have contacted me for comment on the issue, so I decided to give a statement so that the conflict does not drag on.
“Don’t use lion dances as a tool to divide people, but use it instead to bring Malaysians together who are (otherwise) constantly bombarded with racist statements,” he said.
- EXPOSED: End part of Lion Dance removed in Video spread by Opposition. That's how they spin as if Lion Dancer refuse perform for @NajibRazak
- Penang PKR EXCO @afifbahardin Bersih @mariachin & Bersatu ppl still refuse to apologize & retract their insensible spin/lie on d Lion Dance
Tan Keng Liang 
-Mkini
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