[Malaysia] Anwar ~ MCA, Gerakan Fail To Defend Chinese Interests

MCA, Gerakan fail to defend Chinese interests
Pauline Puah, Aug 4, 2005, Malaysiakini

The kowtow or subservient nature of MCA and Gerakan towards Umno will prevent the parties from upholding the rights of the Chinese community effectively, said former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

"MCA and Gerakan betul pun sokong, tak betul pun sokong (they support regardless of whether it is good or bad) policy Umno...So the Chinese must demand for a change," he added.

Anwar, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) advisor was speaking at a dinner dialogue at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur.

He also reiterated the party’s objection to the government's policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English in schools.

"... Gerakan and MCA dare not say no to ( the policy) as it was a policy from Umno," he said to a round of applause from the 1,000-odd audience.

Chinese educationists have strongly objected the policy which they see as an attempt to undermine the development of mother tongue education.

On the Approved Permits (AP) scandal, Anwar said MCA and Gerakan had failed to voice the views of the Chinese community on the matter.

Who wants the NEP?

The former deputy premier also blasted Umno Youth, a wing which he once helmed, for demanding the revival of the New Economic Policy (NEP) and raising the keris at its recent annual general assembly.

"Who is demanding for the revival of the NEP? It's the rich Malays who demanded. Have the ordinary Malays received any benefits from the policy?" he said.

On a more personal note, Anwar said his family and him accept the apology of former inspector-general of police Rahim Noor in "good faith".

Yesterday, Rahim made a public apology in court for assaulting Anwar shortly after his arrest in September 1998.

"No money could compensate my assault...I will not take the money (compensation).We want democracy, not the law of the jungle," stressed Anwar.

Also present at last night's event were Anwar's wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, vice-president Azmin Ali, information chief Tian Chua and foreign diplomats.

Anwar is on a short leave here from his UK-stint at the Oxford University. This Saturday he will be giving another talk on NEP at the Pearl International Hotel.