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https://twitter.com/simonwhthong/status/1161476324067893248?s=20
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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — DAP said today it believes that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has no intention of ever banning Chinese educationist group Dong Zong, amid calls for such a move from conservative Malay-Muslims.
In a statement, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) component party said that Dr Mahathir has “adopted an open approach to freedom of expression” since he was elected prime minister, as long as nobody is being threatened with punishment, public disorder, injury, or hurt by lies.
“Tun Dr Mahathir has even given instructions that no one should be arrested or prosecuted for severely criticising him as prime minister, unlike the practice of the previous prime minister.
“Therefore, DAP believes that the prime minister has no intention of banning Dong Zong,” DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said here.
he Bagan MP and finance minister also said the party disagrees with any suggestions to ban Dong Zong.
This comes as Gerakan Pengundi Sedar, a group linked to Islamists group Ikatan Musliming Malaysia (Isma), launched a petition calling for the government to ban Dong Zong, claiming it is a “racist organisation” for opposing khat lessons in vernacular schools.
However, Lim said DAP also disagrees with the prime minister’s assertion that Dong Zong is “racist”.
“In fulfilling its role to protect Chinese education, Dong Zong has attracted criticisms and condemnation, but Dong Zong has never threatened the rights and security of other Malaysians.
“Instead Dong Zong respects the Federal Constitution position of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language, whilst other languages can be freely taught and learnt,” Lim said.
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https://twitter.com/gst183/status/1161066470102540288?s=20
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad labelling Chinese educationist group Dong Zong as “racist” was uncalled for and will only complicate efforts to reach a solution in the khat issue.
“The labelling of Chinese educationist group Dong Zong as racist by Mahathir is certainly uncalled for and most regretted.
“Instead of allaying the concerns of the Dong Zong on the khat issue, calling it racist will only distance it from any compromise or negotiations that should be had by all stakeholders on the matter,” he said in a statement tonight.
Ramkarpal said Dong Zong’s concerns should not be brushed aside as they were not unfounded and the same concerns have been expressed in a large section of the Chinese community.
“That there is dissatisfaction over the matter on the ground is a fact and cannot be taken lightly.
“If there are valid grounds to disagree with Dong Zong, they should be rationally argued and their concerns should not be dismissed on account of racism,” said the DAP lawmaker.
Ramkarpal also backed DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s intention to raise the matter in the cabinet again.
“It is hoped an amicable and acceptable solution is reached on the matter as soon as possible through proper dialogue and consultation,” Ramkarpal said.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/487693#.XVH-5K_ondQ.twitter
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SEPANG: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has warned Chinese education group Dong Zong to toe the line and not incite people into fighting one another.
He said the group runs the risk of running foul of the law if it continues on its current course.
“Now if they keep on inciting people to fight against each other, of course that is going against the law.
“We have freedom of speech, but we are always sensitive about not instigating people of different races to fight against each other.
“But Dong Zong is only talking about one community, forgetting that it is a multiracial country,” he said while drawing on Dong Zong’s public petition against teaching Khat in schools, which it had claimed was subtle Islamisation.
Dr Mahathir however remained neutral when asked if Dong Zong could be banned.
“I do not know yet, that’s up to the police to decide,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) 21st anniversary celebration, here, today.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir reiterated that he stood by his statement that Dong Zong was racist.
He said that the group has only fought for the Chinese despite Malaysia being a multiracial nation.
“When we do something we must think what the other races would say, and if they are not happy, then you should try and accommodate.
“But Dong Zong has never said a word about Malaysia, it’s always about Chinese education.”
He drew on the group’s objection when he proposed the Sekolah Wawasan or integrated vision schools concept to bring vernacular and national type schools under one roof.
“It’s a very racist way of thinking. What’s wrong with Malays, Chinese and others going to school together? To have an assembly where all three schools are together?
“It’s an anathema to Dong Zong.”
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/512560/dr-m-warns-dong-zong-against-inciting-trouble
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