Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon described the non-election of any Malays in the DAP central executive committee ( CEC) as against the Malaysian spirit.

Koh who is also minister in the Prime Minister's Department said yesterday's election showed DAP's stand.

"This is against the 1Malaysia concept adopted by the ruling coalition which accepts the views of all the people."

Former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described yesterday's election as an unhealthy phenomenon and showed that the DAP party is monopolised by a particular race.

"It shows the delegates have no proper planning in ensuring the participation of other races. This is not good as it would lead to a monopoly of a particular race and result in much speculation," he said.

Abdullah said that in BN, it has the supreme council which is composed of its component parties representing different racial groups and their views will be taken into consideration.

“It is much easier to work within BN,” said Abdullah at the closing of a Rukunegara seminar held at Taylor's University in Petaling Jaya.

The two were commenting on the non-election of any Malays in the DAP CEC unlike the previous year, where Ahmad Ton was elected.

However the CEC has today appointed Zairil Khir Johari and Ariffin Omar to be in the committee.

Pak Lah disagrees with Perkasa

Meanwhile, both Koh and Abdullah were also asked to comment on Malay rights pressure group Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali's claim that the Chinese should be content because of their control of the “haram” industries, or businesses forbidden by Islam.

Among others, Ibrahim cited the Chinese monopoly of the gambling industry and massage parlour industry. Thus, Ibrahim argued that the Chinese should not seek political power.

Abdullah said that Ibrahim's argument contained flaws in logic.

“Gambling may be haram, but it does not mean that Malays and Muslims cannot get  involve in other types of business (which is halal). The success of a business is based on the person.

“I do not think Ibrahim's statement can be accepted,” he said.

Ibrahim had made the remark in a recent interview with Malay daily Sinar Harian . Gerakan vice-president Mah Siew Keong had yesterday responded by accusing Ibrahim of stoking fear among Malays.

Concentrate on studies first

On the recent legislative amendments that now made it legal for students to contest in the general election, Koh and Abdullah both urged students to concentrate on their studies first.

“It is not easy becoming a candidate. If you are elected and become a YB (Yang Berhormat), how do you balance (work) with your studies?” asked Koh.

Abdullah said it was alright for students to get involved in campaigning activities, but they shouldn't be in politics full time.

“Get the degree qualification (first). If they are smart they can go to other fields,” he said.

Yesterday it was reported that Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin as saying that amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 has now allowed students to be involved in political parties and also for them to contest in general election.