Three days ago, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had, at a Ramadhan event in Johor, made the remarks that a repeat of the 1969 race riots could not be ruled out.
What was most shocking and irresponsible was that he had obviously put the blame on the non Malay communities when he expressed expressed fears over the insults hurled towards the Malays and Muslims of late.
I am disappointed and baffled why MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai , when commenting that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement was a “reminder” to Malaysians not to take the country’s peace for granted, had said that everyone was working towards a better Malaysia but extremists were taking every opportunity to destablise the country.
When the deputy Prime Minister had obviously put the blame on the non Malay communities, how could Liow say that “extremists were taking every opportunity to destablise the country”?
Did he read Muhyiddin’s full speech before commenting or did he really agree with Muhyiddin’s views about insults having been hurled at Muslims lately?
If Liow disagrees with the blame put on the non Malay communities, then he should be bold enough to tell the Deputy Prime Minister who the real extremists are.
It is the failure of the BN government if the country has reached a point where a repeat of May 13 is possible.
I do not believe that Malaysia ‘s ethnic relations is on the verge of erupting into racial clashes or riots for two main reasons, firstly, Malays and Islam are not under any attack as portrayed by some Malay extremist groups and secondly, there is no feeling of tension among the races.
But if the Deputy Prime Minister has got intelligence reports which can back his remarks, he should reveal these reports and more importantly, he should let Malaysians know what steps are taken by the government to stop such a possible repeat.
Muhyiddin’s yesterday’s remarks that “various quarters” are taking advantage of Muslim disunity to threaten the position of Islam in the country were equally shocking.
Such a statement can actually have the impact of causing racial misunderstanding and inciting public anger and as the nation’s deputy Prime Minister; he should be more responsible and careful with his comments.
If Muhyiddin has any evidence, he should reveal which body or individual has questioned the position of Islam as the official religion of the federation.
Muyiddin must realize that he has to be the Deputy Prime Minister for all Malaysians.