Many of us are saddened and outraged by the statement made by Dato’ Nasir Safar, the former aide to Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak over his comments made in Malacca yesterday. It reeks of racism, highly inconsiderate and totally unacceptable. What’s worse was that the statement was made at a JASA function on 1Malaysia.

The statement has hurt the feelings of the non-Malays, in particular the Chinese and Indians, and is totally inconsistent with the 1Malaysia concept espoused by the Prime Minister.

I welcome the Prime Minister Office’s immediate clarifications yesterday that Nasir’s statement does not reflect the views of the Najib administration. But the damage has already been done and further action needs to be taken, including possible disciplinary proceedings or invoking sedition laws.

Racism and bigotry are distractions that will hamper our genuine efforts to develop the economic and social well-being of the country. These will also be obstacles in the Government’s Transformation Programme towards enhancing inter-ethnic harmony.

The Independence of our country was obtained by the 3 main political parties comprising of UMNO, MCA and MIC.  All of us had fought earnestly for our Constitutional rights in the country.  Each and every race, including the orang asli and the indigenous groups of East Malaysia have contributed greatly to the building and development of Malaysia. These historical facts cannot be disputed.

Malaysia belongs to all races including the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans and all other indigenous groups.  It does not belong to any particular single race.  As of today, almost all Malaysians are born and bred here. No one is an immigrant.

MCA is extremely concerned over the 1Malaysia-linked seminar being marred. The Party will do the needful to prevent this from recurring in the future.

Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat
MCA Party President