An MCA leader has slammed DAP's Klang MP Charles Santiago for allegedly putting Malaysia in an "awkward position" by signing a joint international memorandum against China.
Charles was part of 191 parliamentarians and policymakers from 23 countries who issued a joint statement condemning Beijing’s “unilateral introduction of national security legislation in Hong Kong.
Charles signed the memorandum as the chair of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights.
MCA central committee member Chew Kok Woh said it was disgraceful of Santiago to join many Western lawmakers and politicians in criticising China when Hong Kong was part of China.
"It's shameful that Santiago has joined the others to put his name there and put Malaysia in an awkward position because we have excellent ties with China," he said.
He said China was free to formulate any laws on security in Hong Kong.
"We can see that the security has gotten out of hand in Hong Kong where violent riots, bomb-throwing and vandalism have gotten out of control.
"This is not a democracy but a threat to democracy which the West has closed an eye too and even praised these rioters as being pro-democracy," The Star quoted Chew as saying.
"The US and Western countries have similar (security) laws, so let's not be hypocritical," he said.
Hong Kong needed such laws to restore peace and stability for a conducive business environment, he said.
He then questioned if this was the official position of DP particular when DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai was previously special envoy to China.
"We want the DAP to state categorically whether it has the same position as the MP from Klang.
"He has signed as the chairperson of the Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights but he is a DAP MP," said Chew, who is also Batu Sapi division chief.
"The DAP leadership should demand Charles retract his name," he said.
When contacted, Charles said he will respond to Chew's statement later.
Another signatory from Malaysia was lawyer and Bar Council Human Rights Committee former co-chairperson Andrew Khoo. - Mkini
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