MIRI: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said careless and arrogant statements made by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz are causing detrimental consequences to Barisan Nasional component parties.
The Bintulu MP said the manner in which Nazri had lashed out at billionaire Robert Kuok smacks of arrogance.
Such an attitude is against the spirit of Barisan Nasional, he said in a statement from his office in Kuala Lumpur.
Tiong said Nazri and Umno should realise that the Chinese-based component parties in Barisan have stood by Umno during its difficult times.
However, careless and uncalled for statements have harmed the Barisan component parties, he said.
"Did Nazri realise why the Chinese voters had turned their backs on Barisan in 2013 general elections.
"What was the reason they did so and which Barisan party were they unhappy about?"
Tiong reminded Nazri to be careful about his remarks regarding the Chinese.
He said it is not true that all Chinese are pro-DAP, pointing out the current situation in Sarawak now.
He noted that in Sarawak there are visible signs the Chinese voters have actually started returning to the Barisan as seen in the results of the 2016 Sarawak state elections.
"Barisan won 8 of the 16 key Chinese seats in the Sarawak state elections.
"So it is not true that all Chinese voters are turning to the DAP.
"Nazri should look at the results of the Sarawak state elections and be grateful to the Chinese for returning to the Barisan," he said.
Tiong called on Nazri and other Umno leaders to adhere to the Barisan spirit and not make remarks that can be detrimental to Barisan.
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