Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has expressed dismay over what he called the “narrow-minded” approach of Bersatu politician Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard.
Responding to Chegubard’s online posts over multi-faith prayers held at the graves of May 13, 1969 racial riot victims, Lee lamented the Perikatan Nasional leader’s stance on the matter.
“May 13 is a black tragedy in the country's history. But after 55 years, narrow-minded individuals like Chegubard from PN still want to play on narrow racial sentiments to incite people's hatred towards the Madani government.
“Concerning a memorial service for the victims organised by Persatuan Sahabat Warisan Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (Pesawa), Chegubard spread slander that Islam had been attacked,” Lee (above, left) said in a statement today.
He pointed out that Chegubard was not a “narrow-minded racist” back when he was with PKR.
“However, after entering PN, everything went wrong for Chegubard, and he is often distorting facts and history for the purpose of gaining public attention,” Lee added.
Chegubard, who is now a Bersatu information bureau committee member, was a prominent early member of Parti Keadilan Nasional during the reformasi era but PKR sacked him in 2016.
In his recent post, he commented disparagingly on two issues - the party held aboard a KTMB train and the multi-faith prayers.
“Malaysia has reached the peak of liberal and pluralist evil. Does Islam have no value as a federal religion? Where is the faith?” he said.
He also lamented that Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing and Transport Minister Anthony Loke represented a “Malaysian Malaysia” and said that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar was ineffective.
Cemetery for all races
Lee offered to enlighten Chegubard on the May 13 cemetery in Sungai Buloh.
“Maybe in PN, Chegubard was too busy with slander and as a friend I am compelled to give some historical facts about the grave,” Lee said.
He pointed out that it is the resting place of those of all races including the Malays.
“It is also a reminder to all people that it is important to value consensus and unity in community life.
“Therefore, the act of the imam who recited the prayer in the area should not be an issue.
“Pesawa has also explained that the area is not only a ‘Chinese cemetery’, but rather it is a burial place for victims of various races, including the Malays,” he added.
‘Stop slandering’
The PKR lawmaker urged Malaysians to adopt a transparent and open attitude towards May 13 to develop sympathy and empathy, as well as nurture the value of mutual forgiveness and appreciation for the reconciliation and well-being that exists today.
“Last month, Chegubard was just charged with slander and incitement as well as damaging the name of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“Therefore, I would like to advise Chegubard and PN to stop playing on narrow racial sentiments and baseless slander,” Lee said.
Instead, Chegubard and PN should focus on governing the coalition’s four states which so far have not had any outstanding development plan for the people, the PKR communications director added.
“Chegubard should focus on explaining PN's policies to the people instead of just playing up useless sentiments.” - Mkini
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