THE MCA has urged multiracial Malaysians to see through and reject the racist stereotypes fanned by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
According to MCA Youth national deputy chairman Tan Chee Hiong, it is necessary to take cognisance that there are public figures who, for the selfish intentions of returning or remaining in power, have no qualms manufacturing “imagined enemies” to exploit the political climate and plunge the nation into a state of divisiveness.
Tan’s response comes in the light of news that Hadi and several leaders of the Islamic party had signed the “Malay Proclamation” document signifying support for Mahathir’s call for the Malays to unite and “save” the race.
“We must avoid falling into their trap of political theatrics and puppetry. The comments and conduct by Dr Mahathir and Hadi are akin to the conspiracy theories to woo followers in Western countries,” he commented.
“Observing the political history of Europe and the United States, similar strategies have been adopted whereby they both use their influence to promulgate conspiracy theories, and then magnify racial differences to cause a descent into ethnic antagonism and hatred.”
Tan went on to claim that the duo intends to sow confusion among their followers and influence other fence-sitters to enhance their political mileage.
“The silent majority among Malaysians who are able to see through their ill-will are urged to convey the correct political message to the masses,” he remarked.
To prevent the situation from worsening, Tan said Malaysians are encouraged to be less abusive and emotional on the internet.
“Racial profiling and emotionally-hyped spews may likely produce conspiracy theory fans, and as the number of supporters determines the influence of politicians, the best method to reduce the influence of mischief-makers is to stymy their reach and supporters.” – May 10, 2023
Main pic credit: Utusan Malaysia
