It is not the DAP which spreads lies, but Liong Sik and the MCA. For instance, Liong Sik alleged that the DAP was silent on the issue of women which meant that we supported PAS on the issue.
Liong Sik may want to pretend ignorance, but DAP has been consistent in our stand for women’s rights unlike the MCA. At a public conference attended by PAS, Keadilan, DAP, PRM leaders and NGOs in Kuala Lumpur in February this year, I publicly stated that one reason the DAP opposes the establishment of an Islamic state was because of the place of women in an Islamic state.
Again, the DAP has not been silent in our disagreement with the Kelantan Mentri Besar, Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat on his statements on the issue of women, and as had been stated by the Wanita DAP National Chairperson, Dr. Oon Hong Geok in one such response, women’s contribution to the workforce cannot be denied and Malaysia will lose out in competing with other countries without tapping the women’s contribution to national development.
What baffles me, however, is why Liong Sik should resort to the politics of lies and falsehoods when he is convinced that 99% of the Chinese would vote for the Barisan Nasional in the next election, as he had publicly declared more than once.
I do not agree with everything that Nik Aziz had said, but this does not give Liong Sik the right to twist and distort Nik Aziz’s statements.
For instance, Liong Sik alleges that Nik Aziz had said that he would deregister all Barisan Nasional parties if he becomes prime minister, resulting in the end of democracy and the next general election would be the last in Malaysia.
I challenge Liong Sik to substantiate his allegation that Nik Aziz had said that he would deregister all Barisan Nasional parties if he becomes prime minister in the next election.
If Liong Sik can prove that Nik Aziz had made such a statement, I will support the MCA President and declare that Nik Aziz is wrong and that his statement cannot be supported. If Liong Sik cannot substantiate his allegation, he should have the humility and decency to publicly apologise to Nik Aziz for the untruth.
The whole MCA strategy in the next general election is built on lies and threats, and its biggest lie and "trump card" is to spread the lie that the DAP supports the Islamic State by co-operating with PAS.
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad never fails to stress in his speeches in his pre-election tours to the various states that DAP does not support the Islamic State as advocated by PAS.
Is Liong Sik suggesting that Mahathir has been lying when the Prime
Minister said the DAP does not support the Islamic concept of PAS?
(4/10/99)