PETALING JAYA: MCA president Liow Tiong Lai believes Malaysians should appreciate being able to celebrate Christmas peacefully, and not be consumed by negative feelings on the political situation in the country, The Star reported today.
Referring to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s Christmas message, released on the eve of the festive holiday, Liow said this was no time for political propaganda.
“We have to remind him that this is the celebration of the Nativity and not negativity, which sadly has consumed his life.
“This is the time of festivities and of families coming together. We are also blessed that Malaysians are able to celebrate Christmas peacefully,” Liow was quoted as saying by the daily.
The transport minister added that this was not the first time DAP leaders had resorted to such negative tactics in turning festive messages into political propaganda.
Liow cited DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s use of a Chinese New Year video a few years ago and more recently, Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming’s Hari Raya greeting, which also featured a US flag.
Taking a swipe at the Penang chief minister for his recent criticism of the local Chinese media on the matter of coverage related to Penang, Liow said Lim should not then talk about the eroding of democratic principles in the country.
“He is the first Penang chief minister to have an estranged relationship with the Chinese media who was very helpful to him in the last general election.
“He is probably the first Malaysian politician to issue a statement to a newspaper to ask why his news isn’t big enough or not used in national pages. It’s a record,” Liow said, according to The Star.
He also claimed that Lim was prone to “having quarrels” with groups that had supported him
“You don’t have to believe me. Ask DAP members, Penangites, the press and businessmen. He is the first Penang CM to quarrel with civil society – the groups which supported him,” Liow was quoted as saying.