PORT DICKSON: Statements that cast doubt on the loyalty or sense of belonging of any Malaysian risk creating unnecessary misunderstandings at a time when the country needs greater cohesion, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in response to remarks by Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Dr Wee said MCA has never supported racial rhetoric from any quarter and has spoken out in the past regardless of whether such remarks came from political opponents or allies.
“Our principles do not change according to the identity or political affiliation of the person making the statement,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Wee called on Sanusi to clarify remarks that allegedly questioned the place of non-Malays in Malaysia, saying that such rhetoric had caused concern among the Chinese community.
Sanusi, who is the Perikatan Nasional election director, allegedly said during a ceramah that Tanah Melayu is the only homeland for Malays, unlike other ethnic groups.
Dr Wee said MCA’s cooperation with any political party has always been guided by mutual respect, the Federal Constitution, the Rukun Negara and the rights and interests of all Malaysians.
“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 said.
He also called out DAP for selectively portraying itself as the sole defender of the Chinese community while using race and religion whenever it suited its political interests.
MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon also described Sanusi’s remarks as an insult to millions of loyal Malaysians, including non-Malay voters who had supported him.
“As Malaysians who were born and raised here, we also belong to this land. Sanusi should not forget that we are Malaysians too.”
Dr Mah questioned whether Sanusi’s remarks reflected Perikatan’s position, noting that the Malaysian Indian People’s Party is one of its component parties.
“Does his statement imply that Perikatan does not represent or serve the interests of the non-Malay community?”
Dr Mah urged political leaders to focus on policies and solutions that improve people’s lives instead of resorting to racial politics that threaten national unity and social harmony.
