Chinese leaders: It’s Ahmad who must say sorry

PETALING JAYA: Various political parties still want Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail to make a personal apology although Umno as a party has already said sorry.

MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat welcomed the move by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and called the Umno apology a sincere gesture.

“But at the same time, it should be a lesson to all Malaysians especially politicians from all parties,” he said.

Ong reiterated that each component party should have a mechanism to take disciplinary action against any party member who makes racist remarks.

He said Ahmad, as the person who made the racist remark, should apologise, “but we have not heard from him”.

MCA Youth secretary-general Dr Wee Ka Siong agreed with Ong that Ahmad must say sorry.

“The Chinese community, which had been hurt by the statement, will recognise Najib’s initiative.

“It is a relief to see the Deputy Prime Minister say sorry and try to reduce the damage caused but the people will still want to see Ahmad apologise,” he said.

Penang Gerakan Youth committee member Dr Thor Teong Gee said he failed to understand why Najib had to make the apology.

“All along what everyone wanted was just for Ahmad to come forward to apologise, admit his mistake and ensure it doesn't happen again.

“We are even ready to give him the benefit of the doubt and let him explain if he did not mean what he had said,” Dr Thor said.

Ahmad had allegedly called the Chinese pendatang (immigrants) and was also reported to have said that “as the Chinese were only immigrants it was impossible to achieve equal rights among races” during a ceramah in Permatang Pauh on Aug 25.

Penang MCA deputy chairman Lau Chiek Tuan said Ahmad should not hide behind Najib.

“An apology from Ahmad will still be insufficient. The Umno leadership must take disciplinary action against him,” Lau said.

Tanjung DAP division youth secretary Ng Wei Aik, who is also Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s political secretary, felt that Ahmad should not be let off the hook.

Numerous attempts to reach Ahmad failed, with calls being directed to voicemail.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/3/nation/22228713&sec=nation

Comments

Anonymous said…
wat apologise? he should be packed and sent back to Kemboja.. where all this malay race originated from

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