Ka Siong tells BN-PAS crowd: Not all Chinese are racists like 'that party'

TG PIAI POLLS | BN and PAS joined forces last night in a joint ceramah in support of MCA's candidate for the Tanjung Piai by-election.

The event, which featured PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and MCA president Wee Ka Siong, took place before a 2,000-strong crowd that was predominantly Malay PAS and Umno members and supporters from around the country, with some MCA members spread throughout.

In his speech, Wee took veiled swipes at DAP, which it labelled as 'that party', saying that unlike them, MCA had never insulted Malays, Islam or the royal institution.

"Not like that party, which asked Malays to screw Malays," he said referring to a 2016 gaffe by then-DAP member Hew Kuan Yau during the Sarawak state election.

Wee said a senior MP of that party also had a "foul mouth" for saying that PAS and Umno's Muafakat Nasional was like the Taliban. This was in reference to DAP deputy secretary-general Nga Kor Ming's remarks on the alliance.

"This is not good. Whatever our religion, we must respect one another, which is why I want to say, MCA is different from other parties which allegedly represent the Chinese community.

"I just want to say, not all Chinese are racist. A small number may have different assumptions, perceptions or ideologies, but they believe in this country. There are Chinese who have the Malaysian spirit," he said to applause from the crowd.

Meanwhile in reference to the Muafakat Nasional, Wee said that MCA will support any cooperation that adheres to the Federal Constitution.

Wee was the third last speaker of the night, followed by Hadi (below).

When Hadi took to the stage, some of the MCA members were observed leaving the ceramah.

In his speech, the PAS president pledged the party's full support for the MCA candidate in the by-election, Wee Jeck Seng.

He explained that Muslims can live and work together with others and that any disagreements would need to be governed by a "social contract".

"The MCA candidate represents everyone, not just one race," Hadi said.

Previously, Jeck Seng said MCA is consistent in its stance against PAS' plans to amend Act 355 to allow for stricter syariah criminal punishments.

However, Hadi then replied that this was just a personal opinion and that PAS worked with the party and not with individuals.

The Tanjung Piai by-election is a six-cornered fight involving BN, Pakatan Harapan, Gerakan, Berjasa and two independent candidates.

Polling day is on Nov 16. - Mkini