KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — Chinese groups yesterday urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to stop Umno leaders from saying things that would jeopardise the relationship among the races.
They also urged the Chinese community to lodge a police report against former Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam for accusing the Chinese of being involved in “illegal businesses” in the country.
The authorities must act against Mohd Ali as what he said could promote undue tension among the races, the groups said.
They told The Malay Mail the statement contradicted the “1Malaysia” concept and would only promote racial tension.
It also showed that some leaders were short-sighted and it was a misfortune for the country to have leaders who lacked historical knowledge and were insensitive.
The groups warned that Mohd Ali’s views could also potentially be damaging to the party.
“Mohd Ali is criticising other races merely for his personal gain and, sadly, the party members buy his words and would probably vote for him,” said Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall chief executive Tan Ah Chai.
The Federation of Heng Ann Malaysia president Datuk Ong Seng Khek said a leader should think more openly and not be narrow-minded.
“Obviously he wanted revenge on the Chinese community. Why did he suddenly suggest to close down vernacular schools? His words had infringed the fundamental liberties of the Chinese in the country,” he said.
He urged all the Chinese to step out and lodge reports against him.
At an event organised by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) on Monday, Mohd Ali said the Chinese had allegedly being involved in all “illegal businesses” in the country.
He said the Chinese were the ones dabbling with all the illegal businesses “including casinos, 4D, Toto, gambling, lottery, massage parlours and illegal moneylending”.
He claimed he was voted out by the Chinese despite working tirelessly in the last general election.
