YONG PENG: MCA has condemned the irresponsible actions of those who put up racially-charged banners in Ayer Hitam in a bid to gain votes.
Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon said at least 10 such banners, also bearing the images of MCA president and incumbent Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, had been found around the constituency on Wednesday (Nov 16).
"This is a dirty tactic to gain votes as the banners were printed with the words 'fikir sebelum undi' (think before you vote) along with a chapter from the holy Quran.
"This is a very dangerous move as the banners were discovered in various Malay kampung, pedestrian bridges, outside mosques and even the entrance to Chinese new villages in the constituency.
"This method of using race and religion to incite hatred also causes uneasiness among the people and hurts the country’s racial harmony," he said here on Wednesday (Nov 16).
Ling added that the green-coloured banners had an image of Dr Wee attending a recent temple event as well.
"The photo has been misused and people should understand that it is perfectly normal and respectful for guests to sit and observe while the temple committee conducts their rituals.
"Using the image this way is also quite disrespectful to the temple and the religion of others. Even the Federal Constitution states that Malaysians have the right to practise his or her religion.
"The motives of putting up such banners are highly questionable.
"We have reported the matter to the Election Commission as the banners are against the general election regulations as there were also no printing source or names of those who put them up," he added.
