Are Malaysian Chinese Squatters or Citizens?

KOTA BAHARU, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Gerakan will review its position in Barisan Nasional (BN) if the component parties, especially Umno, fail to bring about change so as to restore people's confidence in the ruling coalition, says acting party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
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This message was delivered to the BN on the background of Datuk Ahmad Ismail, the UMNO Penang Bukit Bendera Division head, who said during a ceramah in Permatang Pauh by-election on Aug 25 2008 that he was alleged to have said that the Chinese community were mere immigrants in the country and thus were not entitled to equal rights in Malaysia. In fact, prior to this announcement from Dr. Koh, Gerakan Wanita Chief had mentioned similar message and was shown displeasure from both PM & DPM respectively. It was however announced during the Permatang Pauh by-election on or before the 26-August-2008.

This is an unbecoming attitude of an UMNO head that disregards the feeling of the other fellow Malaysians and may have caused irreversible damages the fragile and delicate relationship between ethic groups in the country. Peoples are wondering if this is the general attitude of UMNO, from top to bottom. The act is considered irresponsible and arrogant and totally unacceptable. In view of this incident, BN component parties such as MCA, Gerakan are reconsidering their role in BN if UMNO is not handling the matter carefully to the satisfaction of their respective supporters and ethnic community.
Since 308 general elections, every ones in the BN group are expecting to do their own reform ahead of the major reformation that’s badly needed in the BN in order to stay in power. However, UMNO seems very much stuck with their own deeply-rooted “ideology” and controversial way of governance of the country that they may need more time than allowable to achieve the desired objectives. Their slowness seems too slow that some component parties are showing inpatient most notable one is SAPP from East Malaysia Sabah. The grouses if not addressed quickly may cause splits within the BN and eventually collapse.

The challenge from PR has been intensified in conjunction with the open-call for BN’s MPs to cross over to the PR. UMNO-led BN can not afford to wait any longer and must act swiftly than in the past to resolve all issues concerning the individual component parties, the alliance, and the government as a whole.

Harping on racial issues to rally for solidarity is no longer effective as the situation is entirely different than the old days. Chinese are mere squatters in Malaysia and has no rights to make claims as the other dominant race group is also outdated as they are all born and lived here for a few generations and it’s a rude and ignorant display of leader who the Chinese are “inherently” acknowledging as their leader to lead the country, even if they don’t quite agreed to deep down their heart.
Where do the Chinese go from here give the scenario?