DAP: Inaction on Perkasa shows Umno’s true colours

Malaysiakini | Jun 20, 11

Umno’s inaction over Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali’s allegedly seditious and racist statement yesterday, has showed its true colours as a party that survives on racial division, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

In a statement today, Lim (left) said Ibrahim had raised the threat of another May 13, by proclaiming himself a ‘war general’ and warning of severe repercussions for the Chinese community if they proceed with the Bersih march.

“Never before in Malaysian history has anyone issued such an irresponsible and racist statement by calling on a certain community to stock up on food. Such a remark is clearly unacceptable by every peace-loving Malaysian,” read the statement.

Lim then directed his fire at Umno for its inaction on Ibrahim.

“By allowing such fascistic and Nazi-like threats by Ibrahim Ali, Umno is indeed showing its true colours as a party that survives on racial division. In its refusal to take action, Umno is therefore guilty of supporting Perkasa and its stand,” he said.

The Penang chief minister recalled several previous incidents where Umno was seen as reluctant to take action including the cow’s head protest in 2009 and various remarks by Umno leaders equating Indians to beggars and Chinese women to prostitutes.

“This clearly proves that 1Malaysia is nothing more than an exercise in self-delusion and mass deception.

“It is obvious that Umno, which is now politically bankrupt, is unable to raise any other issue besides race and religion, which is conveniently used to not only scare the people, but also to cover up their shortcomings,” he added.

Burning and stomping

During the launch of Perkasa’s ‘Peace March’ yesterday, members of the purported Malay rights group took to burning and stomping on pictures of Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan, who is also a former Bar Council president.

Ibrahim then threatened that chaos will ensue if the demonstration by the coalition of opposition and political activists was not cancelled.

“Imagine, ladies and gentlemen, if the Bersih rally is not called off and they go ahead with it – if they don’t cancel it on July 8 or 9 – I believe the Chinese community, many of them, will have to stock up on food at home.

“Anything can happen on that day,” the Pasir Mas Independent MP added.

Following the announcement by Bersih 2.0 to hold a rally on July 9 to push for free and fair elections, Perkasa called for a counter-rally dubbed ‘Peace March’ on the same day.

Simultaneous rally

Umno Youth also planned to have a simultaneous rally to defend the current electoral system.

On the other hand, Gerakan urged all parties including Bersih 2.0, Perkasa, PAS and Umno youth to call off their own rally.

“If there is need for rallies, then do it in stadiums instead of city centres,” said Gerakan vice-president Mah Siew Keong (right).

“Don’t put fear and worry on the whole nation with a rally and other rallies against the rally. So many rallies will only cause fear and worry among the public and give a false impression to foreigners that Malaysia is politically unstable,” he said in a statement issued today.

On Ibrahim’s warning, Mah wanted him to stop making statements that cause unnecessary tension and panic.

“I have received many calls from people who are frightened by this irresponsible statements.” he said.

He reiterated Gerakan persident Koh Tsu Koon’s stand that dialogue and talk are the better channel to deliver message.

“The government is always willing to listen to the voices of the rakyat and we hope that people would use this channel to communicate with the government instead of organising rallies which does no good to anyone,” Mah added.