KUALA LUMPUR, 9 Sept 2008: The MCA wants Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders to stop sweeping problems under the carpet and to take drastic action against Datuk Ahmad Ismail for his unapologetic and unrepentant racist remarks.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said the BN could no longer ignore the growing dissatisfaction arising from the Bukit Bendera Umno division chairman’s remarks.
He said immediate action must be taken to contain this problem before it gets out of control if BN wants to continue to be seen as a party that represents all races in the country.
"We cannot follow the old ways, not need to discuss, no need to listen. If there is problem, just sweep it under the carpet. This is not the way to solve problems," he told a news conference after chairing MCA’s presidential council meeting at Wisma MCA here, today.
Yesterday, the fiery Ahmad had called for the BN to sack Gerakan from the coalition, while his followers tore up a picture of Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon.
Following that, Gerakan and MCA in Penang moved to sever all relations with Ahmad and his division.
"We are very unhappy with Ahmad’s actions. What he did (yesterday) is very damaging and had hurt the Chinese in the country.
"He showed no respect to other component parties of BN. We want to see drastic action to be taken against him," said Ong.
He said MCA would also push for total reform in BN, adding that Umno, which is the BN’s lynchpin, should not ignore voices from its other partners.
"We want to see real changes. We feel we have the right to voice our stand, act and make suggestions that are serious so that the BN becomes stronger and is more in tune with the aspirations of the people," he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters later, Penang MCA chairperson Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said Penang MCA will not hesitate to sever ties with Penang Umno should no action is taken against Ahmad soon. – Bernama
