The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong) wants Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to act against Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, who recently questioned the loyalty of Chinese Malaysians.

When contacted, its president Chong Chin Shoon said the federation - which represents 5000 Chinese-based associations and organisations from 13 states - sent a letter to the premier last Saturday.

'Censure minister'

Chong said the letter called o­n Mahathir to act against Abdul Kadir for "exploiting patriotic sentiments for personal political motives".

"We regret that the statement came from a Barisan Nasional leader. His statement contradicts the reality that most Chinese Malaysian are patriotic," Chong said.

"The prime minister ( photo ) should take notice of this leader and consider what action should be taken against him during tomorrow's cabinet meeting."

He added that disciplinary action could range from asking the minister to back his claim with figures or to prevent him from making such a statement again.

Abdul Kadir ( photo ) irked the Chinese Malaysian community last Monday when he accused them of being unpatriotic for not flying the country's flag during the national day celebrations.

He questioned the community's loyalty since, according to him, more than 90 percent of Chinese Malaysians remained indifferent to the government's 'Raise the Jalur Gemilang' campaign.

Police reports

Three lawyers from Perak have also lodged police reports against the minister.

Hua Zong's letter, a copy of which was made available to malaysiakini , said the federation "strongly objected" to the statement and expressed fears that it may jeopardise the premier's efforts to create a harmonious multi-racial society.

It added that, in the past, the community had stood by the government, especially during the 1997 economic crisis which saw Chinese organisations initiating campaigns to encourage Malaysians to buy local products and promote domestic tourism.

The federation enjoys close ties with Mahathir and was the key organiser of an event which meant to be a show of support by the Chinese community for the premier two years ago.

Mahathir was then under attack for lambasting Suqiu, which he said behaved like "communists" and "extremists" and likening the Chinese lobby group to religious cult Al-Ma'unah.

Boycott launched

Chong said the federation's members would also boycott the minister's functions in future unless an apology is offered.

"We will also not invite the minister to our event. This is the first time we have taken such a move," he added.

When asked, he said the federation does not plan to meet the premier or Abdul Kadir over the matter since this was not the first time that the minister had belittled the Chinese community.

According to Chong, during a dialogue with the federation in 2000, the minister criticised the community as being "stupid and stingy" for not participating in his ministry's events.

Last week, Abdul Kadir denied that he had questioned the community's loyalty and claimed that he had o­nly said that the "Chinese were sparse in showing their patriotism".

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when asked to comment later said patriotism was not measured by flag-waving.