Media statement by Teresa Kok Suh Sim in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, 30^th November 2011:

Racist and untruthful statements made by Ahmad Maslan and Muhyiddin at UMNO General Assembly shows that BN's "1Malaysia" Slogan is a mere farce

The accusation made by UMNO information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan that the DAP are "agents of Christianisation", coupled with UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's allegation that DAP is out to turn Malaysia into a republic, shows that UMNO will accelerate it's speed to spread lies while using race and religion to instil fear in the Malay community, prior to the next General Election, for the sake of maintaining power in the country.

Ahmad Maslan, who spoke at a forum on the onset of the UMNO General Assembly on Tuesday (29 November), has as well put at risk the peace among the diverse communities in Malaysia with his reckless and baseless claims.[1] His absurd positioning of the idea that Islam will no longer be the nation's prime religion, as DAP would 'Christianise' the country should Pakatan Rakyat lead the nation, is not only a blatant lie but absurd as Christian members are the minority in the DAP. Further, there is no reason for DAP to "Christianise" the nation as this has never been the agenda of DAP.

Alongside this, Muhyiddin Yassin has embarked on a crusade to stir racial tensions among Malaysians, and resentment towards the DAP, when further accusing the party as being "racist".[2] UMNO is tempting fate when it allows its leaders to promote racial hatred by its malicious public comments. This is unbecoming of Muhyiddin as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Maslan and Muhyiddin's ridiculous and slanderous remarks reveal UMNO's intent on disrupting the peace and harmony that exist among the various faiths in the country. They have shown a lack of consciousness towards the sensitivities needed when speaking on religion and race. What is the point then of the government setting up institutions such as the inter-faith council, and introducing concepts such as 1Malaysia, when its leaders are clearly against creating a unified and tolerant society.

The Prime Minister's slogan and concept of 1Malaysia, whose "goal is to preserve and enhance [Malaysia's] unity in diversity", appears to be a farce given UMNO and BN's adamant practises of racial polarisation.

I would like to challenge Muhyiddin and Maslan to prove their allegations against the DAP. The record of DAP, as part of the Pakatan-led state governments in Selangor and Penang, speaks for itself. DAP leaders and elected representatives have been fair and just in our approach as the above state governments have not only increased allocations to Islamic religious schools, mosques, and Islamic institutions, they have also protected and upheld the rights of all races and religions.

Statements made by Muhyiddin and Maslan reflects the true face behind the mask of "1Malaysia" - where there is no sincerity in implementing the concept. These speeches also show that UMNO leaders are fearful of losing its power and pull, especially among those from the Malay community, as they now have to resort to various dirty tactics using race and religion.

These absurd statements made by UMNO leaders also show that UMNO is in heavy doubt as to its popularity among the general Malaysian electoral and this latest outburst is an absolute pathetic endeavour to deflect attention from the administration's shortcomings.

[1] Malays will lose everything in 'hung parliament' scenario, says Umno leader', Malaysian Insider 29 November 2011, (http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malays-will-lose-everything-in-hung-parliament-says-umno-leader/)

[2] 'Muhyiddin: Umno's moderate approach the only solution', The Star, 29 November 2011, (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/29/nation/20111129222619&sec=nation)

* Teresa Kok Suh Sim, DAP National Organizing Secretary, Selangor State Senior EXCO for Investment, Industry & Trade & MP for Seputeh