> MCA backs Opposition
In a surprising turn, the MCA today voiced its support for their political opponents over the use of multi-lingual signboards in the DAP-led Penang state and the appointment of Low Siew Moi as the acting General Manager of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).
The party's support for the Pakatan Rakyat governments in Penang and Selangor will certainly put it on a collision course with Umno. Party vice-president Liow Tiong Lai has already come under heavy fire for suggesting the scrapping of the 30 per cent bumiputera equity requirement.
Today, MCA Youth chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong expressed his disagreement with his Barisan Nasional (BN) colleagues, notably Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim who said that Penang only needs signboards in the national language and in English.
He also criticised a University of Malaya professor, Datuk Dr Zainal Kling, who had urged the authorities to charge the state government under the Sedition Act for daring to put up signboards in other languages.
"If we still carry on with a conservative mindset in issuing such statements, it will not help the country in attracting foreign tourists," Wee said in a press statement today, drawing parallels between Penang's multi-lingual signboards and the multi-lingual signboards posted at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
In a separate press statement, Wanita MCA chief Chew Mei Fun urged Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to remain steadfast in appointing Low as the acting General Manager of PKNS.
"Even though I share a different political ideology with Tan Sri Khalid, I believe in the Selangor Menteri Besar's trust and confidence in women's capabilities to helm PKNS," she said.
Chew took to task the former Selangor MB Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and state Pas commissioner Datuk Dr Hassan Mohamed Ali for disparaging Low's qualification based on her gender and ethnicity.
"The behaviour of these two leaders, who questioned and prejudiced the capabilities of women, will not increase the country's competitiveness and encourage economic growth," she said.
"In this globalised world, the appointment of top government posts should not be based on skin colour or gender. Those with capabilities and who are able to perform should be given the opportunity to serve," she emphasised.
"At the end of the day, Malaysia will experience a brain drain with more and more talented professionals leaving for other countries to seek work and pursue their ambitions." - The Malaysian Insider.
