Media Statement by Lim Kit Siang in Petaling
Jaya
on Saturday, 30th August 2008:
Chinese “squatters” in Malaysia - why
no MCA/Gerakan ultimatum in PP by-election?
In the past three days, spokespersons and
branches of MCA and Gerakan and their youth sections have been
protesting in the media against the racist remark by the Bukit Bendera
Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail during the Permatang Pauh by-election
campaign making derogatory reference to the Malaysian Chinese as
“squatters” in the country.
Daily protests are being made in the MCA and Gerakan, including calling
for MCA and Gerakan to quit the Barisan Nasional, if top Umno leaders do
not take strong disciplinary action against Ahmad.
Ahmad’s speech was reported in the Chinese media on Monday, 25th August
2008 – the eve of the Permatang Pauh by-election on August 26.
Why didn’t the MCA and Gerakan Ministers and leaders take a strong stand
on Monday itself to issue an ultimatum that Ahmad apologise and withdraw
the racist remark, failing which they would pull out of the Barisan
Nasional by-election campaign in Permatang Pauh?
Wouldn’t this be more effective and fruitful than just making protests
“after the event”, although it would still get them into the newspapers
despite being ignored not only by Umno, the Barisan Nasional Supreme
Council but also the Cabinet?
*
Lim
Kit Siang, DAP
Parliamentary leader & MP for Ipoh Timor
http://dapmalaysia.org