MCA: Nazri should be sacked as Barisan sec-gen

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA has called for the sacking of Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz as the Barisan Nasional secretary-general.

"Umno should take stern action against Nazri, don't let one rotten apple spoil the whole barrel. If he continues to be Barisan secretary-general, this will jeopardise the long-term cooperation between Umno, MCA and MIC," said MCA secretary-general Datin Seri Chew Mei Fun at a press conference.

Chew said the status of SJKC and SJKT are guaranteed under the Education Act 1996 and during the time when Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was the education minister, Section 21(2) of the Education Act 1961 was abolished.

"On what basis is he calling for the closure of these vernacular schools?" she said.

Chew likened Nazri to a "Trojan Horse" in Barisan, who was always praising DAP, while belittling MCA and other Barisan component parties.

"His rude, arrogant remarks including the ones humiliating Robert Kuok, were reasons why Barisan lost the general election.

"We think Nazri should not be allowed to escape from being removed from his position as secretary-general in Barisan. He is not fit for the position," she said.

In his campaign speech on Sunday (Feb 24), Nazri reportedly said that non-Malays should not question Malay privileges as the former also enjoyed special privileges such as vernacular schools.

In his speech, Nazri also questioned the appointment of non-Malays as Attorney General, Chief Justice and Finance Minister and said that Malay rights should be defended at all costs.

Following backlash over his speech, Nazri called for a press conference on Monday (Feb 25), strongly denying that he wanted vernacular schools to be shut down.

On a separate matter, Chew, who is MCA 70th anniversary celebrations organising committee chairman, said all MCA members, representatives from Chinese guilds and associations, non-governmental organisations are invited to celebrate on Saturday (March 2).

The event will be held at Dewan San Choon, Wisma MCA, will start from 9am.

"The platinum jubilee of MCA holds significance as it marks the first anniversary we are in the opposition.

"In this context, MCA turning 70 is also a very important anniversary as we can expect our party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong to launch a new way forward, A Renaissance for MCA," she said.

In conjunction with the party anniversary theme of "Provide Check & Balance: Prioritise Public Opinion", the Government Monitoring Group will also be launched.