Statement by Ean Yong Hian Wah in Shah Alam on Thursday, 2^ndJuly 2009:

Hadi’s against the removal of 30% bumiputra quota and the proposal to have “intellectual discussions” with UMNO Youth have gone against Pakatan Rakyat’s spirit

Hadi’s against the removal of 30% bumiputra quota and the proposal to have “intellectual discussions” with UMNO Youth have created shockwaves and uncertainty.

Both these announcements have gone against the Pakatan Rakyat’s spirit of collective decision making and common stand for a fair, equal and just society.

Due to the unprecedented successful cooperation and subsequent victory of Pakatan Rakyat during the 308 which brought about a political tsunami that has put Barisan Nasional under intense and great pressure. Thus, this has further pushed Barisan Nasional government to liberalise the nation’s economic policies which is a beneficial move to all Malaysians regardless of race and religion.

Hadi’s stand on the removal of the 30% Bumiputra equity is thus no different from past UMNO led government policy. We wish to see Hadi’s stand on the removal of 30% Bumi quota be reconsidered or at least further clarify what is his actual stand. His stand is questionable now as to whether he is sincere about equality among Malaysians regardless of racial background or merely relabeling and rebranding UMNO policy.

Furthermore, PAS top leaders have openly rejected the “unity talk” with UMNO, why the PAS Youth still insist to have another round of “intellectual discussions” with UMNO Youth?

Is PAS Youth acting on the unity talk independently or with blessing from the PAS top leadership?

The stand of PAS Youth is still questionable as it indicates that they are still unsure of themselves as to whether to give a wholehearted, unwavering and sincere support to Pakatan Rakyat or merely a marriage of convenience.

If some of the PAS’s Youth leaders insist on having “intellectual discussions” with UMNO Youth without the collective consensus and blessing of PR, then the impression given to the PR supporters will be worrisome and confusing on what PAS actually is standing for.

UMNO has been attempting unrelentingly and persistently since after the GE 2008 to topple Pakatan Rakyat and it is now taking an advantage of the Umno-PAS Youth “intellectual discussions” to sow disunity in Pakatan Rakyat so that public confidence in Pakatan Rakyat will be eroded.

* Ean Yong Hian Wah, Selangor DAP Chairman & ADUN for Seri Kembangan