Expressing regret over this development, MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek (right) reminded Umno leaders that they represent all Malaysians and not just the Malay community.“Because of the Umno election, a lot of senior Umno leaders, in order to consolidate their support, have resorted to racial profiling... for instance on crime.
“They have not shown themselves to be truly Malaysian leaders. This does not augur well for the nation,” he told Malaysiakini.
However, Chua, when asked about Zahid’s controversial call for the summary execution of suspected criminals, attributed it to overzealousness.
“Perhaps, in his excitement, Zahid was shooting from the hip,” he said.
On the same note, the MCA president stressed that to gun down suspected criminals instead of arresting them was an affront to justice and the rule of law.
“I disagree with this... it will not inspire confidence in the police force,” he added.
Commenting on Zahid’s threat to close down newspapers, Chua also reminded the home minister that this was the 21st century, and there must be space for dissenting views.
Since 2008, MCA had been struggling to remain relevant and one of the reasons why the Chinese electorate had shunned the party was because of its association with Umno.
MCA leaders were seen as being unable to stop their compatriots in Umno from launching racial tirades, thus giving the impression that BN was a coalition of unequals.
Following the disclosure of Zahid’s outburst, Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan (right) was among those who called on MCA and MIC to severe ties with Umno.Speaking at an event in Malacca last week, the home minister made a series of incendiary remarks, and warned journalists not to report them or he would shut down their publications.
Since then, Zahid has drawn flak from various quarters, with some pointing out that he was encouraging the police to commit murder.
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