DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago has defended his right to express his views on the national security legislation in Hong Kong.
In a statement to Malaysiakini, the Klang MP urged MCA Central Committee member Chew Kok Woh to "take his fight" elsewhere.
"This is a clear case of being desperate to stir the hornets' nest when there is no issue to begin with," said Charles.
Chew had called out at Charles for signing an anti-China international memorandum together with 190 parliamentarians and lawmakers from 23 countries.
Chew said China was free to formulate any law and Hong Kong needed such national security laws to restore peace and stability for a conducive business environment.
He questioned if this was the official position of DAP and urged the DAP leadership to ask Charles to withdraw his signature.
Charles, however, questioned if the MCA leader was unable to exercise his freedom of expression due to the party rules.
"I am just speculating here as he doesn’t seem to understand the simple logic that I have independent views which I can freely express as a person or a member of any organisation.
"For that’s exactly what I have done when I signed the international memorandum against China," he said.
He urged Chew to read up on the concerns expressed against China’s long-term desire to strengthen its hold on Hong Kong.
"Hasn’t he heard of words such as selling state secrets, treason, sedition that have been used by China to nab dissidents?" asked Charles.
"I am also against the thwarting of Hong King’s judicial system as the new laws drafted by China could see trials being conducted behind closed doors," he said.
"Having said that, these are my personal views. Any political party or organisation that values the inherent rights of its members will not ban them from voicing their opinions without fear or favour," he said.
"I can only conclude that Chew hasn’t experienced such freedom," he added. - Mkini
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