Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties MCA and MIC have called for an urgent meeting of the coalition’s top leadership to decide on its future, saying they no longer believe it was committed to multiracialism.
MCA and MIC claim:
- No “mutual respect” in BN
- Nazri’s appointment as sec-gen illegal as not agreed by the two parties
- Exploring new alliance
In a joint statement by their presidents Wee Ka Siong and SA Vigneswaran, the two parties – which have for decades been part of the alliance that ruled Malaysia from independence to May 9 last year – expressed regret with the silence of Umno leaders over what they said were “racial remarks” by Padang Rengas MP Nazri Aziz.
“The uncalled-for racial remarks by Nazri have further damaged the ties between the three founding parties,” the duo said following a meeting between leaders of MCA and MIC today.
They were referring to recent remarks by Nazri, who is also the BN secretary-general, who reportedly questioned the appointment of non-Muslims to top posts such as the attorney-general, chief justice and finance minister.
Nazri had said the non-Muslim appointees were not able to be sworn in using the Quran, drawing flak from politicians from both sides of the divide.
The former minister had since explained that he was reflecting the sentiments on the ground, and said he was not a racist as proven by his past statements defending the existence of vernacular schools.
Wee and Vigneswaran said there had been repeated attacks on the foundation of BN, which was “carved by our founders who piloted the coalition to promote political unity, stability and harmony in a multiracial nation”.
“When leaders from component parties began attacking its own coalition members and when public statements were made undermining the spirit and foundation of BN along racial lines, the BN concept and spirit have been undermined and sieged,” they added.
They further said Nazri’s appointment as the BN secretary-general was illegal as it was not agreed by the two parties.
They added there was no “mutual respect” in BN.
“MCA and MIC are therefore left with no choice but to move on to explore a new alliance to reflect the true intentions of unity in diversity of its original intent,” the statement said.
In response, Nazri said MCA and MIC are free to leave BN if they want to do so.He said such a move will not be viewed as a loss for the coalition if both parties are no longer interested to be part of it.
Responding to claims that his appointment as the coalition’s secretary-general was illegal, he said he was appointed by BN’s chairman.
“The chairman has the right to appoint the secretary-general,” said Nazri.
He also denied making any racial statements when campaigning in the Semenyih by-election.
“I am wondering if any of the leaders understand that I have denied making such statements,” he said.
Nazri added that in looking to move forward with new alliances, Barisan was prepared to work with PAS, Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma), Makkal Sakti and other parties that shared the same vision as the coalition.
“We also have direct membership for those who are interested to support us. They do not have to be Umno members for example, but they can still support us.
“There is no problem.”
Citing a high-ranking leader close to MCA and MIC’s negotiations, Malaysiakini reported the two parties are exploring the option of kicking Umno out of BN.
Apparently, Nazri laughed aloud when told of this purported plan.
“That’s the end of MCA and MIC then. The strength of BN lies with Umno, not them. They have been rejected by their communities,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa has urged the BN Supreme Council to convene as soon as possible to decide the coalition’s fate, backing a similar call made by MCA and MIC.
Annuar also said the position of Nazri as BN’s secretary-general should also be among the pertinent issues to be discussed, following criticisms by the two component parties, the Malay Mail reported.
“I agree that the meet should convene immediately and that all parties need to sit down and discussed among one another.
“There are many issues the parties need to go over and yes, it would also be appropriate to discuss the position of the coalition’s secretary-general as well,’’ he said.