MCA calls for DAP to apologise over derogatory terms

SHAH ALAM – MCA Vice President Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker has lauded Bangi Member of Parliament, Syahredzan Johan, for acknowledging that some members of his party, DAP, have used derogatory terms like "dog" or "snake" to refer to individuals from other parties.

In a recent statement on Sept 8, Syahredzan had called on Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to retract his statement in which he portrayed DAP as being Umno's 'lapdog'.

Syahredzan elaborated, "It was offensive then, and now I understand how offensive it is to be on the receiving end. There is no logic to feeling offended; it just happens."

"But it triggers a deeply offended feeling within me. It is unacceptable for Syed Saddiq to use that term on us, especially coming from a so-called ally. I demand that he retracts the insult, or else it may further harm the relationship between our two parties," Syahredzan added.

In response to this matter, Ti Lian emphasised in his statement that, in light of recent developments, MCA is calling on DAP to apologise for the years of abuse and derogatory language directed at them.

"DAP must set an example by showing remorse and apologising for their past actions before demanding that others retract their statements," he stressed.

As a lawyer, Ti Lian mentioned that Syahredzan should be aware of the 'clean hands doctrine' in equity, which dictates that those seeking equity must come with clean hands.

"Quoting the late Karpal Singh, who once said that Anwar and Lim (father and son) must 'bertaubat' (repent), it is emphasised that DAP must show remorse and apologise to MCA to regain trust and credibility."

Ti Lian also highlighted an example of former Umno Youth President Khairy Jamaluddin and Muar MP Syed Saddiq calling DAP a "lapdog" recently, which he considered mild compared to the abuses that DAP has directed at MCA, MIC, and Umno in the past.

"As long as DAP does not apologise and withdraw their 60 years worth of abuse, calling MCA 'Umno's Running Dogs,' and saying that we will always be at a disadvantage, well vis-à-vis DAP. There is no equal playing field when DAP uses false promises and crude abuses against their political rivals through their cybertroopers and public speakers."

"DAP has consistently portrayed themselves as holding a 'higher moral ground' by repeatedly using derogatory terms for MCA, such as 'running dog,' while we are now vindicated and proven to be acting in a politically correct and constitutionally provided manner," Ti Lian said in his statement.

He further explained that during Tunku Abdul Rahman's era, when English was replaced as the official language with Bahasa Malaysia, MCA was labelled as Umno's running dog by DAP leaders and supporters.

DAP even promised to revert to English as the official language and recognize Mandarin and Tamil as official languages, similar to Singapore's policies, in their 'Cultural Democratic Policy' in 1968.

Ti Lian also revealed that when Tun Abdul Razak introduced the New Economic Policy, National Cultural Policies, and Bumiputera quotas, MCA was accused of betraying Chinese rights and labelled as a 'running dog'.

"During Tun Dr Mahathir and Anwar Ibrahim's era of 'nationalism' and 'Islamisation,' DAP accused MCA of trying to 'Malay-ify' (Melayukan) the Chinese community, undermining their identity.

"However, when DAP came into power in 2018, they introduced Jawi khat (Malay traditional writing) and now Hadith 40 without resorting to name-calling," he added.

Today, Ti Lian pointed out that DAP has reversed its stance by embracing Umno president, Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, whom they previously called "Indon" and "Kleptocrat," while shifting their attacks to Pas president, Tan Sri Hadi Awang, mirroring their previous attacks on Umno.

Before the election, he added that DAP urged people not to vote for MCA and Khairy, insinuating that a vote for them equates to supporting 'the Indonesian,' referring to Zahid. These attacks have been effective for DAP against their opponents.

"Now, DAP has also embraced a fight against 'kleptocracy' and demonised Pas as 'Talibanese,' similar to their 'Asalkan Bukan Umno' (as long as not Umno) years."

He elaborated that the recent discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) of Zahid has led to public uproar and a sense of desperation.

In fact, he said that DAP supporters have begun to realise that DAP is making compromises to please Umno, leading to Khairy Jamaluddin and Syed Saddiq labelling DAP as an 'Umno's lapdog.'

"It's worth noting that DAP, which has a history of using derogatory terms for its rivals, is now struggling to accept similar language directed towards them. DAP has played the victim and expressed offence at being called a 'lapdog,'" he added.

Earlier, on June 4, Ti Lian had asked DAP to apologise for calling them 'Umno's lapdogs' and traitors for accepting customs and uniforms based on Malay traditions.