DAP's call to dissolve BTN unreasonable - Razali

DAP's call for the National Civic Bureau (BTN) to be dissolved is unreasonable and proves that the party is afraid of the truth, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim said.

All this while, he said the BTN had played the role and succeeded in enhancing the spirit of patriotism among the people and that was why the opposition parties, especially DAP, were afraid that they might lose the people's support.

"On what grounds can the DAP claims that the BTN is racist? Is disclosing what really took place in Lahad Datu racist? Is explaining about constitutional monarchy also racist? I don't see how the BTN is violating any regulations," he told reporters after visiting the new Muar UMNO building here today.

Yesterday, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, in a statement quoted by several pro-opposition portals, demanded for the immediate dissolution of the BTN 'because of its racist and anti-national character'.

Lim claimed that the BTN, as a government body, had wasted RM1.1 billion of taxpayers money, which should be used to nurture patriotism, racial unity and inter-religious understandings.

Commenting further, Razali said it was more appropriate for the party to give their suggestions or recommendations to improve any weaknesses, rather than calling for immediate dissolution of the BTN.

"We should improve it, not dissolve it. We want to know what is it about the BTN that seems to be a problem to them. I don't see how the dissolution of the BTN will make everything better," he said.