Show proof BTN is racist, says deputy minister

PETALING JAYA: Critics of the Biro Tata Negara (National Civics Bureau) should show evidence of racism in the organisation, says Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim.

Razali questioned why parties such as the G25 group of eminent Malays and DAP were pushing for the bureau to be disbanded when its programmes promoted patriotism.

"BTN has never condoned racism.

“And how can there be any element of racism when the programmes are opened to all races,” he said.

Razali said those with vested interest should stop making unfounded claims to bring down such institutions that were set up to promote nationalism.

“I have asked for evidence in Parliament so that action can be taken. But so far we received nothing.

“However, we note that the Opposition had failed to take action against their own elected representatives who had openly made racist remarks,” said Razali.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang had called on ministers to make a stand at the next Cabinet meeting on their support for BTN, claiming that it promoted racism, anti-nationalism and attributed to gross wastage of public funds.

Lim said BTN’s failure was reflected in the increasing racial and religious polarisation that had led to worsening state of disunity.

G25 spokesperson Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin, a former diplomat, reportedly said BTN should be revamped, as it had remained as the bulwark of brainwashing and hotbed of racism.