KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — China’s ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang was simply expressing concern over racial issues allegedly fomented by Putrajaya, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

Commenting on the diplomatic row triggered by Huang’s comments last week on communal tension here, the former prime minister also said Putrajaya need not have summoned the envoy to explain the remark.

“I think the government overreacted to the thing,” Dr Mahathir told a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here.

“I think the relations between China and Malaysia are far greater than the words of the ambassador who was concerned over race issues promoted by the government.”

Dr Mahathir added that it would have been natural for Huang to be asked to comment on the apparent strained ties between racial groups here, following an Umno leader’s warning of a possible riot in Chinatown if the Chinese traders there are not punished.

During his visit to Petaling Street last week, Huang reportedly said that Beijing would not hesitate to speak out against any threat that may affect the country’s ties with Malaysia.

The area known as Chinatown was the site of a confrontation between police and protesters from a pro-Malay rally on September 16, after the latter group tried to force their way past a security cordon in order to march down the tourist area.

Protesters also displayed racially-tinged banners at the rally aimed at the ethnic Chinese community, calling for the abolition of Chinese vernacular schools and carrying the phrase “Cina babi”, among others.

The rally, said to be in support of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s leadership, was to counter last month’s mammoth two-day Bersih 4 gathering calling for the prime minister’s resignation.

After the rally, #Merah169 leader Datuk Jamal Md Yunos revealed plans for another rally there, and warned of a possible riot it authorities do not take action against the Chinese traders in Petaling Street.

The rally was eventually cancelled after Jamal was arrested over the warning on Friday and released later.

Huang met with Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainudin — currently standing in for Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman — yesterday to explain his remarks.