Media Statement by Johor DAP Policy Director and Senai State Assemblyperson Wong Shu Qi on 13th July 2015 (Monday):
Say no to racism, a diversion tactic of a falling regime
It is extremely sad that another incident of violence took place in this holy month of Ramadhan following the UMNO-led thugs attack in Pasir Gudang, Johor last week. Yesterday, another incident of violence occurred in Low Yat Plaza Kuala Lumpur.
The police has since confirmed that it was originally a case of theft. (http://www.nst.com.my/node/91899?m=1)
However the case developed rapidly into a racial uproar due to instigation and provocation from irresponsible parties including leaders and supporters of UMNO.
UMNO stoking racism in Low Yat to divert attention
Why should a straight-forward case of theft be fanned into a racial issue? This is most unfortunate.
After 58 years of Independence, UMNO not only failed to unite the multicultural and multiracial people of Malaysia, the ruling regime has found it fit to constantly agitate racial tension for its own political survival.
Now at the peak of an unprecedented attack from all sides including by UMNO leaders themselves against the party and its President, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, UMNO is obviously taking advantage of the Low Yat situation to divert attention to the scandal-laden party and its leadership.
From Zahra to Low Yat: It’s the economy, stupid!
As recently voiced out by a young lawyer, Zahra who expressed not only the sentiment of young Malays but all young Malaysians, our concern is no longer on race but economic survival. Young Malaysians of all race faced a bleak future caused by a failed regime plagued with corruption and abuse of power.
On one hand, we have young and bright Malaysians like Zahra finding it hard to make a living, and on the other hand, we have the Low Yat phenomenon rife with allegations of cheap counterfeit goods, easy-money, theft, gangs, acts of violence. These are but symptoms of our economic problems exasperated by government mismanagement, corruption and various abuses.
In the words of Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign slogan: It’s the economy, stupid!
Malaysians against racism
Malaysians however have shown extraordinary maturity and solidarity against racism. The most recent example was how Malaysians from all walks of life from every race and religion, showed solidarity with the people of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang affected by the East Coast flood disaster. No questions were asked, we are all Malaysians.
Malaysians will not be fooled again by the old tactic. It is clear that majority of Malaysians regardless of age, ethnics, gender, and religion are losing confidence in Najib’s government for the handling of 1MDB scandal.
UMNO is trying to divert the attention from all these, from the problems in the economy, the various scandals, 1MDB, Tabung Haji, Mara, the problems of governance.
However we will not tolerate racism anymore in Malaysia. Racism should be condemned. As a “Anak Bangsa Malaysia”, I believe all Malaysians are standing together to say NO to racism. It is incumbent on the regime to ensure that the Low Yat incident does not escalate further.
Wong Shu Qi