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Press Statement by Charles Santiago in Klang on Wednesday, 10th September 2008:  Military has no place in civilian rule or crisis    Traditionally Malaysia's military has kept a distance from speaking out on political and domestic issues. But the unprecedented statement from armed forces chief, General Abdul Aziz Zainal, clearly indicates the rising racial tensions in the country. The armed forces chief’s statement should be a cause for concern for all Malaysians. The role of the army should be confined to the barracks. It works at the behest of the government of the day. It should be neutral. Political and racial tensions following the outcome of the March general polls have driven down the stock market. UMNO and ruling BN component parties were reeling in shock from the upset election and especially the overwhelming support from the Malay community to the opposition camp. The markets also reacted sharply following the possibility of a change in government following the peoples' rejection of the ruling government which is seen to be riddled with corruption and led by a lame duck Prime Minister. Likewise, the recent statement by Abdul Aziz would further affect investments into the country and hit Malaysian assets even harder if the government is unable to defuse the political crisis. Essentially, it sends a wrong message not only to investors but Malaysians alike. This is more so as the insulting remarks from UMNO Bukit Bendera chief Ahmad Ismail, where he called the Chinese as immigrants squatting in the country, had drummed up racial tension to a new height. Instead of apologising, Ahmad had held another press conference Monday and this time around warned the Chinese not to emulate the Jews who, according to him, were not just hungry to control the US economy but also its political power. While the last few days of high drama has been hogging the front pages of both the local and international media, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has adopted a snail-like pace in finding a durable solution. Abdullah's meetings with the UMNO head did not prevent Ahmad from continuing his tinged rants. Not only did he boldly insinuate that the Chinese community is greedy for power and money but also got another buddy to smash the framed photo of former Gerakan chief Koh Tsu Koon before tearing it into half. Ahmad has also said he is sticking to his guns and has significant backing from Penang UMNO, the home constituency of Abdullah. This not only portrays the premier as a weak leader but is seen as a direct slap on Abdullah's face. After an explosive political play, war of words and police reports lodged in five different states by BN's component party leaders, Abdullah has finally said UMNO would punish Ahmad. He could not have acted any faster given his track record of feeble administration which is teetering on collapse. The on-going national crisis needs political resolution. The military should keep out of what is essentially a political and civilian crisis. The army chief needs to be reminded that the armies’ role is subordinated to a civilian government. Therefore its comments should be confined to the barracks not outside. * Charles Santiago, MP for Klang