Former MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu has warned that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's decision to let cabinet member Ismail Sabri Yaakob off the hook for his ‘boycott the Chinese’ remark would hurt BN politically.

"Our kind-hearted PM has allowed him to get away unscathed with not even the slightest form of reprimand nor punishment

"This is the telling sign of a lethargic administration and being detached from the right minded general public.

"(In being) unconvincingly lenient to an errant minister, it is sad to say, BN will pay a hefty political price in time to come," said Gan ( right ) in a press release yesterday.

On Monday, Ismail took to Facebook to urge Malays to boycott Chinese businesses for failing to reduce prices despite falling fuel prices.

However, the Prime Minister's Department came to Ismail's defence saying his Facebook comment was not directed at any ethnic groups.

To Gan however, Malaysians fully comprehend the content of the minister’ posting and its racial tone.

He said Ismail then chose to make matters worse by refusing to show any sign of remorse and instead mobilised his supporters to "defend the indefensible".

Gan pondered aloud whether the police would take any action against Ismail or whether BN can continue to blame Pakatan Rakyat for causing hatred and divisive politics.

"(Isn't it that) BN promotes moderation and 1Msia?

"For whatever benevolent purpose it intended to serve, the kindness of PM could be a deadly blow to BN if the situation deteriorates further," said Gan.