Mingguan Malaysia , the Sunday edition of Utusan Malaysia , has accused DAP's Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua of hurting the feelings of Muslims and suggested that he emigrate to Taiwan or Hong Kong.

In an editorial, the daily claimed that Pua had urged the closure of Ramadhan markets in response to the re-opening of traffic at Jonker Street that would make it impossible for traders to do business there.

NONE "DAP leader Tony Pua ( right ) in his reaction issued a provocative statement.

"He suggested that the Ramadhan market also be closed because they supposedly cause traffic jams.

"The statement clearly hurt the feelings of Muslims, more so as Ramadhan approaches," said Awang Selamat, a pseudonym believed to be used by top Utusan editors.

Contacted today, Pua denied mentioning Ramadhan markets and that Utusan was likely referring to his press conference at the Parliament lobby on Wednesday.

During this press conference, Pua had sarcastically said that if the Malacca government's aim was to alleviate traffic problems by restoring traffic to Jonker Walk, then night markets and farmers' markets would have to be stopped as well.

 Chinese press blamed

Meanwhile, Awang Selamat went on to call DAP a racist party that it claimed often challenges the interests of Islam and that Pua should not challenge the patience of Muslims.

"Awang's advice, if he (Pua) does not like the situation here and the existence of Ramadhan markets in this country, he can emigrate to Taiwan or Hong Kong.

NONE "He would have a better life there than here," it said.

The newspaper also defended Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron, calling him a victim of "misreporting by the Chinese press".

Utusan said Idris' plan to re-open Jonker Street to traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday was not the same as closing down the night market there.

The move has however affected the hawkers at the night market there and threatens the end of the popular tourist spot, and has drawn the ire of not just opposition politicians but MCA as well .

Tourism Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz also criticised the chief minister for the move, noting sarcastically that the tourist spot was called "Jonker Walk" and not "Jonker Drive".