PORT DICKSON: Malaysia belongs equally to all Malaysians and any statement that can be interpreted as questioning the loyalty or sense of belonging of any citizen will only create unnecessary misunderstanding, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's remarks do not help national unity and have caused concern among the Malaysian Chinese community.
"MCA has never supported racial rhetoric from any quarter.
"We have spoken out in the past regardless of whether the remarks came from political opponents or political allies.
"Our principles do not change according to the identity or political affiliation of the person making the statement," he said in a statement on Saturday (July 25).
Wee said Muhammad Sanusi must clarify his remarks clearly and promptly to defuse unnecessary tensions.
This comes after Muhammad Sanusi, who is also Perikatan Nasional election director, allegedly said during a ceramah that Tanah Melayu was the only homeland for the Malays, unlike other ethnic groups.
Wee affirmed that MCA's cooperation with any political party has always been based on mutual respect, the Federal Constitution, the Rukun Negara, and the rights and interests of all Malaysians.
"These principles remain unchanged," he said.
MCA, he said, will continue to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese community while working towards a Malaysia that is stable, moderate and inclusive.
"We reject any attempt to divide Malaysians along racial or religious lines, regardless of where it comes from.
"Our focus should be on strengthening unity, respecting one another and addressing the real challenges facing the nation, rather than exploiting race and religion to manufacture political narratives that further polarise society," he added.
Wee also called out DAP for attempting to portray itself as the sole defender of the Chinese community, saying the party played racial and religious cards when it suited its political interests.
"This has been demonstrated repeatedly through inflammatory remarks. MCA is also prepared to arrange a private screening of these speeches and remarks for those who have conveniently forgotten them," he said.
