Dr Wee: Guan Eng’s declaration of war statement is inflammatory

Dr Wee Ka Siong (left) and Lim Guan Eng.

KUALA LUMPUR: An article in Malaysiakini which reported that DAP leader Lim Guan Eng had described the pact between Umno and PAS as a declaration of war against non-Malays has riled up the MCA.

Its party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong slammed Lim’s statement as “inflammatory  and irresponsible”.

“Never before in Malaysia’s history has a politician made an inflammatory  statement like Lim Guan Eng, who said that the co-operation between Umno and PAS is a declaration of  war among the races,” said Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP.

In the Malaysiakini article, Lim was quoted as calling the Umno-PAS union a declaration of “war” on non-Malays, adding that the 1Malaysia concept previously championed by  Barisan Nasional is now over.

Shortly after, the news portal revised the article and carried an editor’s note saying Lim had corrected his earlier statement which originally used the words “declare war on non-Malays”.

Dr Wee said Lim’s earlier statement was unacceptable because it flamed racial discord and could jeopardise inter-racial harmony.

“You (Lim) have also indirectly invited the opponent to act on this ‘declaration of war’.

“I cannot imagine the implications if (Lim) Guan Eng does not retract his statement and issue a public apology,” said Dr Wee in a Facebook post on Wednesday (March 6).

Dr Wee reminded Lim, the DAP secretary-general, that the latter’s party and PAS had also co-operated in the past.

“In fact, they were together in forming the Selangor state government for two terms. But now, PAS has chosen a new political partner.

“One can condemn the Umno-PAS co-operation, but certainly not to issue such an inflammatory statement that stokes racial discord.

“Be a responsible politician,” said Dr Wee.

In the Malaysiakini article, Lim had also said the flirtation between Umno and PAS was over, adding: “Now they are targeting the non-Malays and non-Muslims under the banner of ‘Malay unity’.

Lim also said that  Umno and PAS were repeating the line that the government was controlled by non-Malays and non-Muslims as an example of both parties’ alleged attempts to sow discord among different ethnic groups.