MCA hits out at Penang opposition chief over ‘May 13’ jibe

Harakahdaily

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6: Penang Opposition Leader Azhar Ibrahim (he's a Datuk lah! - by me) has come under fire from his own side when the MCA today rapped him over a statement by him warning a repeat of May 13 racial riots. “After 53 years of Independence, it is disappointing to see that threats are still being flung around the august house. While constructive criticisms are welcomed, threats are not. "MCA also rebukes Azhar’s statement as they are contradictory to our Prime Minister’s vision of a 1 Malaysia, and as a result, will repel voters from supporting the BN coalition," said MCA deputy publicity chief and central committee member Loh Seng Kok (pic) in a statement today. Azhar, commenting on the public outcry over the police shooting of teenager Aminulrasyid Amzah in Shah Alam last week, had warned that there would be a repeat of the May 13 riots if the people lost confidence in the authorities, saying the army could takeover if the police did not enjoy public support. This was followed by demands from Pakatan Rakyat ADUNs in the Penang state assembly calling him to retract the statement. His refusal has resulted in him being referred to the Rights and Privileges committee today. Loh also said Azhar’s remark that Malay gangsters can "teach a lesson” was “hurtful and insensitive to the feelings of decent Malaysians, as well as an insult to the Malays as it portrays them to be a violent race." “Azhar’s statement is also seditious as well as it warns of inciting racial riots again. Elected representatives should be reminded that the immunity of the state assembly is not a carte blanche to misuse the freedom of speech which is given,” said Loh. He also warned that such remarks not only could instill fear into Malaysians who had lived through the Emergency era, but also scare off foreign investment from the state. “Bearing in mind that many multinational companies park their factories in Penang, Azhar’s miscalculated statements can drive away FDIs,” he added. Loh, who is a member of MCA Presidential Council, also reminded Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to avoid making statements on the police shooting incident until the investigations are completed. “He should let the course of justice take its normal flow without any interruption or interference from external factors,” he said. SUARA HATIKU: This is not the first time we hear such threat. In fact it keeps on coming every now and then. And the one who uttered those words before is none other than our 'beloved' prime minister himself. No! No! Not Datuk Seri Najib bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak, but His Excellency Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the fourth PM. Remember? He used to threat us if we don't vote UMNO/BN in? Well, he used the same words. He threatened us with 'May 13th'. And now if our honourable Datuk Azhar bin Ibrahim uttered the same words, could you blame him? These ''holy words'' will keep on coming as long as UMNO exists. Forget 1Malaysia. It's only sloganeering, nothing more. After all it's engineered by Zionists. And I've a little advise for MCA and all BN component parties. Leave BN like just suggested by one UMNO division. Believe me you'll have everything to gain. If BN is deserted what could UMNO ALONE do?