From Malaysiakini 30th August 2000
PM likens Suqiu's actions to communists and Al-Ma'unah
Kevin Tan
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his Merdeka Day speech tonight likened the actions of the Malaysian Chinese Organisations' Election Appeals Committee (Suqiu) to those of the "communists in the past" and the Al-Ma'unah movement, for fanning racial sentiments.
"Because it seems as if the government headed by the Malays has become weaker, the Chinese extremists who are displeased with the cooperation among the various races in Malaysia are starting to hurt the feelings of the Malays by making all sorts of absurd demands," he said. According to Mahathir, Suqiu's actions did not differ much from those of the communists in the past who wanted to abolish the Malays' special position in Malaysia.
"In terms of approach, Suqiu is the same as Al-Ma'unah, that is, by trying to hurt the feelings of certain people to ignite racial sentiments," the prime minister said.
Al-Ma'unah is a silat group allegedly involved in the recent arms heist in Sauk, Perak. A massive amount of military weapons was hijacked from two army camps and two security personnel were allegedly killed by the group in an ensuing standoff.
Mahathir said that the "attacks" launched by Al-Ma'unah and Suqiu will destroy the government's efforts in promoting good relations among the various races.
"If the Chinese newspapers which like to invoke the wrong feelings among the moderate Chinese and the libellous Malay-operated websites on the Internet succeed in influencing both these races, then the cooperation between these races will be replaced by confrontation, which will affect the country's peace and stability," he said.Mahathir appealed to all extremist quarters from these two races "to stop playing with racial fire".
Lately, Suqiu was caught in a controversy with Umno Youth which demanded the committee to apologise for supposedly questioning Malays' special rights in its 17-point demands. Suqiu had denied the allegation and had invited the youth wing for a dialogue on the matter but its overture was rejected.