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DAP warns Hishammuddin and UMNO Youth not to again undermine inter-racial harmony by launching another communal and chauvinist attack on Dong Jiao Zong for its “Usaha Memelihara Akar Pokok” pamphlet to uphold the fundamental human right of mother-tongue education in plural MalaysiaMedia Statement by Lim Kit Siang (Petaling Jaya, Monday): UMNO Youth leader Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and UMNO Youth should be warned not to again undermine inter-racial harmony by launching another communal and chauvinist attack on Dong Jiao Zong for its “Usaha Memelihari Akar Pokok” campaign to uphold the fundamental human right of mother-tongue education in plural Malaysia. Utusan Malaysia today reported Hishammuddin as declaring that Barisan Nasional Youth would be the first party to ask the government to take drastic action against Dong Jiao Zong if it is proved to have tried to stir communal issues or trample on communal sensitivities. Accusing Dong Jiao Zong of political motives in the run-up to the coming general election and which cannot be allowed to continue, he said that the Barisan Nasional Youth would study the “Usaha Memelihara Akar Pokok” pamphlet which is accused by the Mingguan Malaysia column “Bisik-Bisik Mingguan” yesterday of inflaming the fires of communalism in alleging that the use of English to teach Mathematics and Science is a threat to Chinese mother-tongue education which represents the roots of any race. It is most regrettable that even before the end of the month-long 46th Merdeka Month celebrations which only ends tomorrow, there are already forces seeking to disrupt national unity and spoil the 46th National Day celebrations, which should be an occasion for the reaffirmation of national unity and inter-racial harmony, goodwill and understanding. UMNO Youth seems poised at the launching-pad of another communal and chauvinist campaign, like its notorious anti-Suqiu campaign in 2000. culminating in the unruly, abusive and gangsterish UMNO Youth demonstration led by its deputy leader, Datuk Abdul Aziz in August 2000, threatening to burn down the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall – for which Aziz, like his elder brother, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture in connection with his obnoxious questioning of the loyalty and patriotism of the Malaysian Chinese, have not yet tendered a public apology. Both the MCA Youth leader and the Gerakan Youth leader should explain whether they agree with Hishammuddin that the government should take action against Dong Jiao Zong for its “ “Usaha Memelihara Akar Pokok” pamphlet in opposing the 2-4-3 formula to use English to teach mathematics and science in Std. One in Chinese primary schools. The DAP’s stand against the 2-4-3 formula has been clear and consistent, and for this reason, in support and solidarity with Dong Jiao Zong’s campaign to oppose the 2-4-3 campaign, DAP will hold a public forum at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 29 – which will send a clear and loud message to the Barisan Nasional Youth, comprising youth wings from UMNO, MCA, Gerakan and other BN component parties, to stop its bullying tactics and undemocratic suppression of the legitimate views and aspirations of different sectors of the Malaysian society. (15/9/2003) * Lim Kit Siang, DAP National Chairman |