Umno leaders’ advice on racial remarks

By Ding Jo-Ann | The Nut Graph,

 

Alleged racist remarks against Chinese and Indian Malaysians: “Be calm”

“We want to get all our facts right before deciding on the next course of action as right now, the reactions are clouded by emotions.
“We must be fair and this can only be done if we have the right facts. There are so many differing details of what had actually transpired, including what she had said.
“Let the committee and the police conduct their investigations so that our decision will be the right one.”

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, appealing for calm with regard to the allegations of racist remarks by a Johor school principal. The principal has been told to go on leave pending investigations.
In another incident, a Kedah principal allegedly reprimanded non-Muslim Chinese Malaysian students for eating in the school compound during Ramadan and told them to go back to China. No Umno leader has condemned the incident as of 24 Aug. (Source: “Be calm, let panel probe into HM’s case”, New Straits Times, 20 Aug 2010)
Speaking up for Chinese Malaysian interests: “Don’t be offensive”

“Fighting for the interests of one’s race is one’s right but it should not be at the expense of the interests of other races.
“Umno fights for the interests of Malays but also takes into consideration the welfare of other races. As such, do not cause uneasiness and anger just because you want to defend the rights of others.”

Muhyiddin, commenting on MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek‘s remarks that the MCA would not be afraid of sharing the DAP’s view on Chinese Malaysian interests. Muhyiddin said any Barisan Nasional party could champion its own interests, but should not touch on the sensitivities of other component parties or races. He said this could lead to misunderstandings within the coalition. (Source: Muhyiddin: No offensive statements, please, Bernama as quoted in The Malay Mail, 16 Aug 2010)
Reducing bumiputera equity and discounts: “Take into consideration ‘reaction’ of others”

“… I hope everyone realises that those listening to what we are saying are citizens of the whole country.
“Hence, when we do anything, we must take into consideration the reaction of other races.”

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, when asked to comment on Chua‘s call for the gradual reduction of the bumiputera equity requirement. Najib said such statements touched the nerves of Malay Malaysians as they felt their position in the economic sector was still weak and needed support through government policies.
Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim also said although Chua might have tailored his remark to suit his party’s political sentiment, Malay Malaysians, in particular, could not accept it. (Source: “Be sensitive to other races”, New Straits Times, 20 Aug 2010)
… and “don’t play with fire”

“So, I’m asking YB Tony Pua not to play with fire. Don’t even light a match.”

Umno information chief and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan. Ahmad Maslan was commenting on Petaling Jaya Utara Member of Parliament Tony Pua‘s suggestion for Selangor to scrap the 7% bumiputera discount for luxury properties in Selangor. (Source: Don’t play with fire, Ahmad Maslan warns Tony Pua, My Sinchew, 1 Aug 2010)