Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said opposition leaders had attended the recent Chinese education movement Dong Jiao Zong (DJZ)'s 50th anniversary dinner to show their support for mother-tongue education.

He was commenting on an article published in the Umno-online website which questioned the motive of the Barisan Alternatif (BA) leaders who attended the event.

"I don't think this should be an issue. This has shown Umno's immaturity in harping on racism and chauvinism," he said when contacted yesterday.

He added that Umno should have the courage to confront rampant cases of corruption and abuse of power instead of focusing on 'narrow' nationalism.

Besides Anwar and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president, other leaders present at the Dec 11 dinner were PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, PKR vice-president Azmin Ali and PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayob.

Suqiu issue raised

Although stating there is nothing wrong in attending the event, the 'Umno-online' article however asked if PAS and PKR leaders had forgotten the demands made by Suqui.

Suqiu or The Malaysian Chinese Organisation Election Appeals Committee caused an uproar with its 17-point demand in 1999, which among others called for the eradication of bumiputera privileges.

The appeal was endorsed by more than 2,000 Chinese associations, including DJZ. It was initially accepted by the Barisan Nasional (BN).

However, then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had later labelled Suqiu as 'extremists' and likened them to the communists while Umno Youth had threatened to torch the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall building if an apology was not extended.

"With so many PAS and PKR leaders attending the dinner, a question arises whether they have forgotten the 17 demands that had hurt Malays in this country?

"Or are they (opposition leaders) playing politics to try and fish votes from the Chinese by taking a neutral stand on Suqiu to survive the next general elections?" asked the Umno online article.

Chinese parties marginalised

Commenting further, Anwar pointed out that the article had also indirectly criticised politicians from Barisan Nasional's Chinese-based parties who were present at the dinner.

Although none of the Gerakan and MCA leaders present were mentioned, the former deputy premier opined that the article showed how irrelevant these parties were to Umno.

"The article shows how insignificant these parties are in the eyes of Umno . I don't think any Gerakan or MCA leader would respond as they do not have the courage," he added.

He also noted that Chinese newspapers had attacked him personally regarding his credibility in supporting mother-tongue education.

"According to the MCA, I am a Malay chauvinist. But in Umno, I would be denounced for supporting the Chinese," he said, citing articles in the MCA-owned Nanyang Siang Pau daily.

The politician stressed that his position on mother-tongue education has been consistent.

"I have said it to Malay and Chinese audiences, the national education system must be accepted by all but the right for mother tongue education must also be respected," he said.

PAS pledges support

Meanwhile, Salahuddin said PAS leaders will continue to attend functions organised by DJZ even if Umno branded them as 'anti-Malay'.

"We'll support DJZ as we consider mother-tongue education a basic human right that must be respected.," he said when contacted.

The Youth chief also brushed aside the insinuation that the support was nothing more than a political gimmick to fish votes.

"I cannot convince myself that by attending a dinner, the Chinese community will cast their vote for us," he quipped.

Salahuddin criticised Umno-online for publishing the article and reminded it that Malaysia is a multi-racial country.

No comments from MCA

When contacted, MCA leaders Lim Si Cheng and Lee Seng Chye, who attended the dinner, declined to comment on the matter.

"I didn't read the article. I was invited and I represented MCA. But I don't think they (the website) was questioning me," said Lim, who is also parliamentary deputy speaker.

On the other hand, Senator Lee said he would comment on the article if it contained statements from prominent Umno leaders.

"This is a free country, anybody can have their own view," he added.

Suqiu chairperson Quek Suan Hiang also refused to respond.

"I will not respond, why should I? Everybody has their own opinion. I will never understand all of them so I will not respond to it," he said.