MCA vice-president Senator Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun has slammed Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s suggestion to set up a 'Low Yat Plaza 2' specifically for Malay traders and suppliers.

She said his suggestion is not only worrisome but will also further segregate the races and bring Malaysia towards racial disunity.

“His statement shows that he has either ignored, or failed to understand how to manage a multi-racial country,” she said in a statement today.

She said as a Cabinet Minister, Ismail should represent and strive for the wellbeing of all races, not just Malays.

She said although the recent rioting at Low Yat Plaza was due to theft, Ismail Sabri had chose to dance to racial sentiments, as suggested by social media.

“It would be much better for Ismail Sabri to suggest inter-racial dialogues to promote better communication between the various races rather than issuing statements which make people dumbfounded,” she added.

The Deputy Minister of Women, Family & Community Development said in a multi-racial nation like Malaysia, ministers are duty bound to work on their respective ministries to help the government to achieve greater racial harmony rather than aggravate its division.

On Tuesday, Ismail Sabri said suggested to open a Low Yat 2 on the third floor of the MARA building (Majlis Amanah Rakyat).

“We will develop the floor as soon as possible and we will provide space especially for Malay businessman,” he said.

“We target 100 percent business from the Malay community. There are currently no Malay suppliers, that is why they are given the leniency,” said Ismail Sabri.