> Ban race-based parties

Fong Po Kuan (DAP – Batu Gajah) was lambasted after she suggested banning race-based political parties in order to resolve racial issues.

She said the proposal to have a Race Relations Act was irrelevant and would not solve problems as long as there were political parties that raised issues pertaining to a specific race.

“If Barisan Nasional really wants to strengthen interracial ties by having the Race Relations Act, like Canada’s 1976 legislation, what needs to be done first is to ban race-based political parties,” Fong said when debating the Budget.

Fong’s remark was criticised by Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis (BN – Rompin), who said: “You are accusing us of not caring for all races but we do. Actually, the MP (Fong) should look at the DAP.”

Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the proposed Race Relations Bill was being drafted by his ministry, together with the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry, to curb chaos and threats to peace in the country.

Abd Rahman Bakri (BN – Sabak Bernam) urged the Social Welfare Department to go to the ground and update the list of elderly and disabled people who needed aid - Bernama.