MCA central committee member Koh Nai Kwong has hit out at Malay rights group Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali for backing the postponed May 13 rally, slamming the latter’s “obstinacy” and his “terrible” stoking of racial tensions.

koh nai kwong In a statement issued late yesterday, the deputy chairperson of the MCA's Chinese Guilds and Association Bureau ( right ) said Ibrahim’s behaviour has “openly challenged” Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia and goal of a “peaceful social fabric”.

Speaking to the Free Malaysia Today news portal, Ibrahim had said he saw nothing wrong with the plan by Malay group Gertak to hold its ‘Melayu Bangkit’ (Malays Rise) rally on May 13.

NONE The May 13, 1969, riots saw hundreds of civilians killed in the worst racial unrest the country has seen, a result of the ethnic communities in the country seeing the other as the cause for their socio-economic woes.

The rally, scheduled to occur last Thursday in a stadium in Kuala Terengganu, was meant to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the violent episode.

It was postponed indefinitely on the orders of Prime Minister Najib following a public outcry.

Ibrahim, however, questioned the criticisms, asking, "What is wrong with that (rally)?

“This was meant to be a peaceful event and had nothing to do with racial riots,” he added.

“If the event intends to unite the Malays because they are the majority in the country, why not?" he asked, adding that "dark episodes" are commemorated in other countries as well in order to serve as a deterrent.

"Some countries commemorate the Nazi massacre, Israel's invasion of Palestine or the Serb's attack against Yugoslavia. They commemorate the dates so that such things do not happen again," said the veteran politician.

Irresponsible verbal garbage

Koh in his statement disagreed, and urged Ibrahim - an independent MP for the constituency of Pasir Mas in Kelantan - to “set an example of enhancing racial unity” and fulfill the 1Malaysia ideals instead of worsening race relations by bring up old wounds.

“MCA is very clear in our stand of objecting against any political party or NGO which abuses the reason of 'racial unity' to organise any rally or activity to destroy race relations.

“In a multiracial country, each citizen must observe and practise sensitivity towards race relations. Any activity or gathering that will polarize race relations must be quelled,” said Koh.

“He should be careful in his comments and actions. Whatever he utters on race relations, he should think twice and be considerate towards the feelings of other races, and not simply spew irresponsible verbal garbage,” he added.

NONE Citing Ibrahim’s attack on MCA president Chua Soi Lek ( left ), who had urged Umno leaders not to attend the rally, Koh said the Malay leader had directly slandered and sought to provoke Chua in the “utmost distasteful” manner.

“He should retract his comments and apologise to the MCA president and the MCA party at once,” Koh demanded.

“Attacking leaders of other political parties is self-demeaning and plain rude or 'kurang ajar'. He should behave with credibility, immediately withdraw his slanderous remarks against MCA and our party president and apologise immediately.

“MCA supports strongly and upholds the 1Malaysia concept. All Malaysian citizens should likewise support 1Malaysia.

“People like Ibrahim Ali, who stir up racial issues to win political mileage will ultimately be rejected by the Malaysian public,” said Koh.