Media Statement by Johor DAP Publicity Secretary and Senai State Assemblyman Wong Shu Qi on 20th April 2017 (Thursday) at Saleng mobile office:
Will other Barisan Nasional leaders willing to defend democracy and stand up against Noh Omar’s decision?
It is ridiculous and absurd for the federal government to cancel, retract or delay all small infrastructure projects suppose to take place in 89 parliamentary constituency held by the opposition. The decision, made in the meeting, which Noh Omar, the Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, and all mayors attended, is undemocratic and unacceptable.
In the democratic system we practice today, the winner should always take care of the wellbeing of all people despite differences in political affiliation. Moreover, everyone pays tax to the federal government in spite of his or her political belief. If the ruling party punishes voters for not voting them in elections, should the voters also punish the government by refusing to pay tax as well? Obviously this is not the right way to go. Just as the people cannot choose not to pay tax, the government cannot simply marginalize certain seats or choose to run away from their duty to take care of the people.
This act of retaliation by Noh Omar proved that he is a narrow-minded leader who does not respect the principles of democracy. I would suggest Noh Omar to propose to his top leader, if they do not want to contest on a fair manner, they should rather call off the election, and announce themselves as a dictatorial party for Malaysia forever. They should just learn from North Korea where UMNO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ruling Workers’ Party. UMNO should not pretend to be a player in a democratic system but always comprises the principles of democracy.
I am surprised that there is not a single leader in Barisan Nasional who stands up against Noh Omar and condemn the UMNO Selangor chairman for his irresponsible and undemocratic decision. Have they lost their rational mind and courage? Or they also agree with Noh Omar to punish more than 20 million people in the country? Will other Barisan Nasional leaders willing to defend democracy and stand up against Noh Omar’s decision?
The silence of all Barisan Nasional leaders shows that they are not hesitate to resort to dirty tactics to win in the coming general election. They may threaten voters, launch smear campaigns, and incite the fear in to win. The tactics used by Barisan Nasional and UMNO will eventually break the people and deepen the distrust.
I hereby urge rational minded Malaysians to stand up against the unjust ruling and bring Malaysia back to the correct path.
Wong Shu Qi