Liow: Stepping on a person’s photo not part of Malaysian culture

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians practise moderation and racial tolerance. Unbecoming acts such as stepping on a person’s photo is a disgrace to the nation.

It is not a part of Chinese or Malaysian culture to be so callous, said MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He was condemning the acts of a few people at the Bersih 4 rally, shown in pictures circulating online, who were seen stepping on a photo of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Liow was also disappointed that some protesters resorted to burning hell notes during the rally.

“At this stage, we are very worried. Our country is edging towards racial extremism,” he said, blaming DAP for creating tension among the races.

“DAP has been spreading the seeds of hatred for too long. They should take responsibility for this,” Liow said.

He pointed out that MCA had always promoted racial harmony and moderation, from the days of party founder Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

Reporters also asked Liow about the actions of several MCA leaders, such as the open calls by Negri Sembilan MCA legal bureau chief Tan Foong Luen and Kluang MCA division chief Gan Ping Siew for Najib to step down.

Liow chided Gan’s actions, saying that his speech was “not appropriate” and “has lost the Barisan National spirit”.

“Gan was a former deputy minister. Such speech, at this point of time, is but an attempt to gain publicity,” he said.

An online news portal reported that Gan had requested Najib to go on leave while Foong Luen said he wanted MPs to support a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister.

On former party president Tun Ling Liong Sik who was said to have attended the Bersih 4 gathering in Australia, Liow said: “We have taken note of this and will seek to understand what is his stance.”