UMNO Penang said it only faces issues with the leadership of the State chief minister -- which can be described as hypocrite, arrogant and snobbish –without compromising or injecting elements of hate towards any race in the country.
State UMNO Liaison Committee deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said that although the issue with Guan Eng cannot be concealed and denied, it does not mean the party is facing issues with its non-Malays and non-Bumiputeras counterparts.
"That was just a superficial interpretation of a Chief Minister seeking ‘instant political capital’,” he said in a statement here, today.
Reezal was reviewing the explanation made by Permatang Pauh UMNO division chairman, Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said after a speech he presented at the 68th UMNO General Assembly held which ended at Putra World Trade Centre on Sunday.
Mohd Zaid, who spoke under the capacity as a Penang delegate, was attacked since Friday after stating that the strengths of the Chinese stem from illegal businesses like gambling, prostitution and entertainment centres.
The speech angered some DAP Penang leaders including Air Itam Assemblyman Wong Hon Wai, Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari and Bagan Dalam Assemblyman A Tanasekharan who lodged a police report on that day at a police station in the state.
Reezal said, sincere and honest explanation should be accepted before other parties continue to negatively manipulate the speech made by the UMNO Penang delegate.
“Zaidi explained in specifics through a press statement… The word kadang-kadang (sometimes) indicates only a certain quarters (of Chinese in Penang) are like that. I clearly uttered that in my speech. I did not say all Chinese in Penang, I just said ‘sometimes there are some Chinese in Penang who engage in those activities”.
“The sentence ‘sometimes there are some Chinese in Penang’ has a context of time and situation. It’s not a reckless statement,” he said.
Reezal also said that Mohd Zaidi’s speech should be viewed as a whole and not isolate the aspect of 'illegal trading'.
“As an experienced leader at the grassroots level, I do not think Zaidi will take that road and make political statements on hating other races.
"I expect the press release issued by Zaidi will put an end to all speculations and misinterpretations. There are times when the “original intention” was misinterpreted yet but it does not extinguish the economic and political ‘reality’ and the pressures faced by the people in Penang at this time," he explained.
A portal reported that Mohd Zaidi, at a press conference blamed the media for labeling him racist by stating that all Chinese in Malaysia became wealthy and influential through illegal activities.
Media Statement
Tue Dec 02 2014
REEZAL: Zaidi's speech should be interpreted as a whole and not look at the specifics. -Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.