Tian Chua believed that Lee was targeted because he was Chinese and was mistaken for a DAP parliamentarian.
“This ignorant group just sees every Chinese as DAP. It had nothing to do with DAP,” he said.
On Sunday, it was reported that a group of about 600 including Penang Umno members staged a protest with provocative banners including some that asked whether the state’s ruling coalition wanted a repeat of another May 13 incident.
Tian Chua added that if government leaders including the Prime Minister cannot be mocked, Malaysia is not a democracy.
“Whether the flash mob was appropriate or not, leaders are not immune from mockery and insults. In democracies, it is normal for heads of states to be mocked in newspaper cartoons. If these leaders can’t face these things, they should step down,” he said.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Sin said that the whole “kangkung issue” transcended race as everyone was feeling the pinch.
He said everyone including bumiputeras were angry with higher costs of living caused by bad policies of the government.
“They are angrier with BN than Pakatan or Lee Khai Loon,” he said.
Sim said there was no reason for Lee to apologise as it was certain parties who were making the issue a racial one.
“There were Malays who also organised similar flash mobs but only Lee was targeted. What is the reason for this?” he asked.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Limited time offer:
Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!