Prime Minister and BN chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today said the Gerakan Wanita chief will be given a chance to explain herself following a statement she made on the status of Malays in the country.
Tan Lian Hoe in her keynote address at the party's annual congress last Friday had questioned the status of the Malays as bumiputeras.
She argued that only the Orang Asli (indigenous people) could be called bumiputeras as the Malays, like the other races, had all migrated to the country from other regions.
She had reportedly said that the Malays came from "Nusantara", the Chinese from China and the Indians from India, adding that the orang asli were the true natives of the land but were sidelined.
Although the statement had upset many quarters within Umno, Abdullah said Tan should be given a chance to explain herself before the coalition decides on her fate.
"I believe she should be given the opportunity to explain herself first before BN decides on what to do with her," said Abdullah.
Not time to talk about action
When asked what action could be taken against her, Abdullah said it was not the right time for him to discuss the matter.
"I can't decide on what action should be taken against her now. I will discuss this with other BN leaders first," he said.
It is believed that Tan's remarks were a pointed reference to those made by Bukit Bendera Umno division head, Ahmad Ismail, who had called Chinese Malaysians "squatters" in the country.
Abdullah added that it was time that politicians stopped playing up racial issues to gain support.
"The country has been independent for 51 years now and we must eradicate the culture of playing up racial issues. We cannot overcome any obstacles if we are still divided along racial lines," the premier said.
source: malaysiakini
mi1: At least a lady has the guts to speak out !
PEOPLE'S POWER
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