Gerakan criticised remarks made by Muhyiddin Yassin - "Ungrateful Chinese"

Press Statement by Dato’ Chang Ko Youn Gerakan Deputy President

“I have to respectfully disagree with the remarks made by Tan Sri Muhyiddin on Chinese voters. While it is true that many voted for the Pakatan Rakyat in the Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau By-Elections; we must investigate why they did so,” said Chang.

Dato’ Chang added that based on his interaction with Chinese voters in Bukit Gantang, many of them find it hard to associate with the Barisan Nasional because they believe that the Barisan Nasional no longer upholds the very best of Malaysia.

“The conventional wisdom of dolling out allocations no longer works because many see it as a disingenuous attempt to gain votes. Their problems must be handled continuously and dishing out allocations before any by-election is not effective and convincing anymore. The more substantive issues of corruption, abuse of power and equity in national leadership and government delivery system must be dealt with first; only then the voters who deserted the BN in 308 will be ready to return,” commented Chang.

Dato’ Chang also felt that greater emphasis must be placed on Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s One Malaysia concept because the focus of uniting Malaysia under the One Malaysia “People First, Performance Now” agenda is a winner because it promotes fairness and equity, and gives real meaning to the Barisan Nasional struggle.

“Many were taken with the mantra of fairness and justice of the Pakatan Rakyat. We do not need a wizard to tell us what we need to do to remain as the Government. We cannot have separate campaigns for separate communities. Our focus should be on what unites Malaysians and not what divides us. I am certain if we move away from ethnocentric campaigning and strategies, and adopt a cohesive and universal messages the voters would trust us more. We do not want to start a blame game in examining reasons for the defeat. We must look for the revival plan collectively.” said Chang.

13/04/09