Even activists are pressing for Ismail Sabri’s resignation

Some 49 activist groups today demanded the resignation of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who had gone on a racist rant against Chinese businesses, saying it was an irresponsible move on the part of the minister to play on racial sentiments.

They said the agriculture and agro-based industries minister targeted Chinese traders, who only play a minor role in the final price of goods and services, instead of explaining the ballooning of prices.

Among the 49 are All Women’s Action Society, Islamic Renaissance Front, Sisters in Islam and Suara Rakyat Malaysia.

"The minister was clearly irresponsible and playing to the racial and religious gallery on a subject of concern to all Malaysians," they said in a joint statement today.

"Condemning traders, or any other business group in the country, on the basis of racial origin and without providing any evidence whatsoever, is playing with fire and will only lead to racial misunderstanding and conflict."

They said their concern was heightened after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak leapt to Ismail's defence and cleared the minister of wrongdoing.

"His position on it is disappointing and unacceptable. Like Ismail, we see the prime minister as pandering to his party’s political supporters; and for failing to ensure that our national interests and unity are protected, not undermined."

Ismail was criticised after he wrote in a Facebook post that Malay consumers had a role in helping Putrajaya fight profiteers by using their collective power to lower the price of goods.

"The majority of consumers are Malay, Chinese are a minority, if the Malays boycott their businesses, they will surely have no choice but to reduce their prices," he said.

After a Cabinet meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister's Department issued a statement defending Ismail, saying the minister had not targeted any specific race with his social media post.

The groups said they were worried of the possible effects of the episode especially when the goods and services tax was implemented in April, resulting in further price hikes.

"This is likely to lead to a new round of finger pointing and scapegoating. If not countered with calm and dispassionate public discussion and analysis, it will only widen the racial division in the country," they added. – February 5, 2015.

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