The ethnic Chinese community in Malaysia are the “luckiest” as they do not have to endure discrimination and rights enshrined by law, Malay rights pressure group Perkasa says.
As such, China ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang’s remarks while visiting traditional Chinese trading area Petaling Street last week is uncalled for, Perkasa information chief Hassan Basri Muhammad said.
“The China ambassador was out of line when he said China rejects any form of violence or discrimination against the ethnic Chinese (because) it makes it seem that Malaysia oppresses or is unfair to ethnic Chinese Malaysians.
“The fact is, the ethnic Chinese Malaysians are the luckiest because they are not discriminated and enjoy rights in a multicultural society, including in education, politics, social, economy, health and other spheres.
“For example, most of Malaysian millionaires are ethnic Chinese,” he said in a statement.
He said it is better for the envoy to look into the presence of Chinese nationals in the sex industry and gambling dens in Malaysia, rather than “poke his nose” in the Petaling Street issue.
“We urge the China ambassador to apologise for his rudeness in interfering in domestic affairs, particularly involving a certain ethnicity, even though that the envoy has Chinese blood running through his veins,” he said.
“We support Wisma Putra in issuing a stern warning against the ambassador so he will watch his ways and know his limits when in another sovereign nation.”
Huang has been summoned by Wisma Putra to explain his remarks, during what the envoy said was a goodwill visit to Petaling Street.
Visiting on the eve of a planned rally by a Malay group there, Huang expressed hopes Malaysia will maintain its stability and not let it be ruined by groups with ulterior motives.
Despite’s Hassan’s claim that the ethnic Chinese do not suffer discrimination, affirmative action favouring the bumiputera have been oft-cited as a barrier for minority races in various areas including education and employment.
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