MCA comdemns ISMA's 'Chinese trespassers' remark

MCA condemns the recent remarks by Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) President Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman who allegedly said that Chinese migrants brought in by the British to Tanah Melayu were 'trespassers'.

According to the party's Secretary-General Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, the statement is wrong and has to be corrected.

"It is bad enough that off and on, certain chauvinists have hurled derogatory slurs referring to Chinese and Indians as 'pendatang' and 'penumpang'.

"However, the latest insult hits below the belt as it falsely likens the Chinese community as having committed an offence," he said in statement, Thursday.

Ong said this racist and bigoted mentality contravenes the 1Malaysia concept of inclusivity and mutual appreciation introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun RAzak.

Besides that, he also reminded ISMA that the Malaysian Chinese, as loyal citizens to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agon, has immensely contributed towards the development of the nation since the time of the Melaka Sultanate.

"Besides trade and business, the Chinese community has contributed towards quality education, women’s education, employment and investment opportunities, cultural diversity and defence of the nation," he said, stressing the fact that the Chinese soldiers have shed lives in defending Malaya against the Japanese Occupation.

Not just that, he also said the Malayan Chinese policemen and Home Guards have paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in battling Communist insurgents who consisted of all races.

He also said that during the process of Independence, MCA founder Tun Tan Cheng Lock set aside his differences to work with UMNO proved to the British that they can unite and work together successfully.

"We are Malaysian citizens, Rakyat Malaysia. Our blue MyKad indicates our citizenship which should not be questioned by any quarters at all. All our rights as Malaysian citizens irrespective of ethnicity are enshrined in the Federal Constitution," he added, urging the authorities to probe and charge the ISMA President with sedition.

On Tuesday, Abdullah Zaik said Chinese who came to Malaya were 'trespassers', and questioned the citizenship and wealth given to them.

"This was all the work of the British, who were in cahoots with the Chinese to oppress and bully Malays." said Abdullah Zaik in a statement on ISMA's website.