A MCA parliamentarian's scathing speech on religion and history in the Dewan Rakyat two weeks ago has prompted an unannounced visit by Umno Youth members bearing a protest letter.

On March 15, Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok had complained in the House about the 'imbalance' in the history textbook syllabus, Muslim prayer recital guidelines and the problems faced by non-Muslims in relation to places of worship.

One of his peers had warned him then about the potential hazards of speaking his mind and about his choice of words.

It is learnt that, six days later, some 50 Umno Youth members, led by Kelana Jaya division chief Abdul Halim Samad, paid him a visit. Their sudden arrival at about 9.30pm took those at the office by surprise.

Loh was handed a protest letter. It is learnt that Abdul Halim told him, "We don't want to hear any explanation now; this is our letter, you read and answer it."

The MP was also purportedly told that Umno Youth would "take action" if he failed to respond to the letter within several days. Some in the group had brought along video cameras to record the brief meeting.

It is learnt that the Youth wing has rejected Loh's proposal to set up a religious development department on the grounds that this would undermine the position of Islam as the official religion.

The Kelana Jaya division had apparently held a meeting to discuss the speech and concluded that Loh's proposal had hurt the feelings of Malay Malaysians, who make up the majority of voters in the parliamentary constituency of the same name.

It is also learnt that a copy of the letter to Loh has been sent to Umno leaders at the national, state and divisional levels, as well as to Malay-based non-governmental organisations.

'Sensitive matter'

Contacted today, Abdul Halim confirmed that he had submitted a protest letter to Loh but declined to comment on the contents.

Asked for the reasons behind the division's discontent, he replied: "There are two or three grounds but I cannot tell you over the phone now."

On whether the division had gone to the MP's office to teach him a lesson, he refused to comment, saying that it was a "sensitive" matter.

Meanwhile, Loh when met at Parliament, said he is willing to meet with anyone.

"I don't deny that there are people who have visited me. I am willing to explain to anyone the context of my speech," said the first-term MP and former aide to ex-MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik.

It is learnt that a dialogue will be held this week between the Umno Youth Kelana Jaya division and Loh.

Selangor Umno deputy chief Muhammad Muhd Taib is said to have been informed of the matter, but could not be reached for comment.

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