While we support any defense and safeguards of native rights and the upholding of the Federal constitution, we are somewhat concerned that government institutions which should and ought to remain independent and non partisan may suffer from contempt and repugnance over the rather ‘strategic’ timing of the law suit by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) controlled Federal Government over Orang Asli land rights against the Kelantan PAS State Government.

It is only recent that PH made headline news attracting much criticisms and condemnation when one of their leaders had openly threatened to sack Orang Asli leaders if they do not support the PH led government in the up-coming Cameron Highland's by-elections set for January 26. And point to note, in this by-election also, it is rather an inconvenient truth that the Orang Asli group form a significant influence of close to 22% of the electorate.

So we are somewhat perturbed at how this law suit was filed rather coincidentally only last Monday on January 14 and conveniently fast tracked for mention on January 22, barely 8 days after filing.

We further note that both days fall within the official election campaign period of this Cameron Highlands by-election and will invariably be used as election bait by the PH candidate.

There are many in the public who are questioning the calculated essence of the timing and speed that this case was brought up. And the same have raised concerns that our Attorney-General Office and the country’s esteemed judiciary arm may be mis-used in pursuit of political agendas by the PH government in the filing of this suit against the Kelantan Government.

Therefore, we urge the PH government to come clean on their true intentions for the rather convenient concurrence of this expedited lawsuit and the up-coming by-election. It must be impressed upon that this really is the work of "Speedy Gonzales" where it took only a mere 8 days for a court mention after filing!

MCA Spokespersons Chan Quin Er