Is DAP’s ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ still aligned to call for equal rights, says Ti

 

Ti Lian Ker said DAP’s call for equal rights led to MCA losing more than half of the parliamentary seats the party contested for in the 1969 general elections. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: MCA has called for DAP to clarify if its “Malaysian Malaysia” slogan was aligned with some of the party’s promises in the past, such as equal rights for all, abolishing Bumiputera quotas and reinstating English as the official language.

MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said the slogan was previously used by former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his People’s Action Party (PAP) to oppose the government led by then prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, with a particular reference to Article 153 of the Federal Constitution on “special position of the Malays”.

If the slogan aligns with such promises, Ti said the party should acknowledge the mistake it has made.

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“This is the simplest gesture that DAP can make in restoring a more united and harmonious Malaysian Malaysia, a vision cherished by all citizens,” he said in a statement.

“However, should the slogan align with Tunku’s vision for the nation, then DAP should explain that to all citizens in the context of cultural, ethnic and national diversity.”

Ti also claimed that DAP had undergone various shifts in its positions over time, including its recent commitment to uphold Tunku’s vision and the Federal Constitution.

“This is an MCA commitment that DAP has now copied. It was DAP’s promise of equal rights that led to MCA losing more than half the parliamentary seats it contested for in the 1969 general elections. This subsequently led to the downfall of Perikatan (Alliance Party) and Tunku Abdul Rahman (as prime minister),” he said.

Yesterday, Sheikh Omar Ali, a member of DAP’s central executive committee, said the slogan does not violate the Federal Constitution.

Sheikh Omar said the slogan should not be perceived as a threat to the diverse cultural and religious aspects of the country’s multiethnic society.

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He was responding to Umno Supreme Council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed who had urged DAP to drop the slogan from its party constitution to gain the support of Malay voters.

Nur Jazlan said the Malays were hesitant to support DAP because of its secular state agenda, which “contradicts Islamic and Malay principles”. - FMT