Chinese died defending country, says Ka Chuan

IPOH: The Chinese gained citizenship by sacrificing their lives for the country, said MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.

Some 300,000 Chinese died defending the country during the Japanese Occupation in the 1940s, he said.

“That was about 20% of the population then. They had joined the Anti-Japanese Army to fight the invasion when the British left us helpless.

“And this was what made the British give us citizenship. It wasn’t gained without any sacrifice or contribution on our part.

“Our citizenship had been exchanged with our courage, blood, sweat and tears for the country,” he said after opening the Perak Wanita MCA convention here yesterday.

Ong was responding to remarks made by Bukit Bendara Umno division head Datuk Ahmad Ismail on the Chinese during the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Calling Ahmad irresponsible and naïve for making the remarks, Ong said the issue should be put to a rest for the sake of racial harmony and unity among the people.

“We are all Malaysians. We need to stand united instead of being suspicious of one another,” he said.

On Ahmad’s demand that Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Chinese community leaders apologise to him, Ong said:

“It is not about who should apologise or who should withdraw from Barisan Nasional but about respecting each other’s rights.”

Selangor Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said Ahmad’s remark damaged racial relationships and the MCA would have to review its ties in Barisan.

Outgoing Perak Youth chief Datuk Tan Chin Meng proposed that the MCA leave Barisan if Ahmad refused to apologise for his statements.

“The younger generation of Malaysians are born here. What Ahmad said was degrading to the younger generation,” he added.