The spirit of forgiving one another should be practised by all Malaysians as we can learn from each other, said MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
Ong, who wished everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year, said he had indicated this to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during MCA’s open house Sunday at Wisma MCA.
“I indicated to the Prime Minister that this is a good practice as we Malaysians should learn from one another.
“This morning’s celebration is a joyful one as people from all races gather together at this open house.
“I may have to use a wheelchair for a short while but this will not dim the festive spirit at Wisma MCA,” said the Transport Minister.
Ong, who was using a wheelchair following surgery to his heel tendon, did not let his situation stop him from greeting leaders and well-wishers who attended the MCA Chinese New Year open house.
Ong later attended open houses at the Gerakan party headquarters and the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall as well.
Ong also said he was touched by the presence of many leaders especially from Barisan Nasional who came to the MCA open house to join in the celebrations and support the party.
Ong said he also exchanged thoughts with Najib on several main concerns of the Chinese community.
“I am confident the Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia spirit and concept will continue to flourish and more importantly will continue to be implemented in every nook and corner of this fortunate land,” he added.
On whether he was surprised to see estranged MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai at the open house, Ong said the open house was meant for all and “more so to all our leaders.”
He said that Perak MCA leaders were absent as they were hosting an open house in Ipoh.
“This year, we are going for a change. We take cognisance of the decision by our party leaders who wished to have the Chinese New Year open house on the first day,” he added.
He also reiterated his call for MCA leaders to put aside differences and unite in the spirit of the festivities.
On the banners that hung outside Wisma MCA criticising Ong and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Ong said it was very un-Malaysian to resort to such a ploy during a festive season.
“It is important that we take stock of our shortcomings and strength and soldier on,” Ong told reporters at the Gerakan Chinese New Year open house at Menara PGRM Sunday.
He was calm about the blatant display of dissatisfaction by some disgruntled party members.
However, he added that the party would never accept this kind of practice.
“When we celebrate the Chinese New Year, we should emulate our Malay-Muslim brothers and sisters and practice the spirit of forgiveness,” he said.
The banners were mostly in Chinese except for one line in small print in English saying, “MCA or sex?”, a coy reference to Dr Chua’s sex video scandal a few years ago.
The banners were, however, removed shortly after they were put up.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai criticised the act of putting up the banners.
“I do not know about it (the banners) but I do not support it as our focus is to unite the party.”
Fellow vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen hoped the party would unite and have a fresh start in the lunar new year.
“I wish for MCA’s unity and for everyone to come together for MCA. Let us put aside all personal agenda and work together for MCA, the Barisan and the country.
“I believe MCA has so much strength and will continue to do so much more. I am very optimistic that it can be done.”
Dr Ng said she was not surprised Liow was present, saying, “in my heart of hearts, I knew he would be here. I am confident MCA will come together again.”
