Umno Youth will demonstrate against a forum featuring DAP elected representatives in Kluang tonight, because it claims the forum is “racist”.

 

The forum on the Goods and Services Tax and racial politics features four DAP speakers, including Senai and Mengkibol assemblypersons Wong Shu Qi and Tan Hong Ping.

 

"Kluang Umno Youth wants DAP to retract (plans to hold) any racist discussions.

"If they want to discuss the GST, go ahead, but don't link it to racism," Johor Umno Youth vice chief Khairul Anwar Rahmat ( left ) told Malaysiakini when contacted.

 

"Differences in political views does not mean racial sentiments should be played up because it will disrupt harmony," he added.

 

This comes after organisers, youth group LayPark@Kluang, complained of receiving threats by anonymous parties who say they will “disrupt” ( buat kecoh ) the forum if it is not called off.

 

However, Khairul Anwar said he will be present at the demonstration to ensure that things do not get out of hand.

 

"I will be at the programme, I will make sure the situation is under control and that we practice mature, orderly politics. Don't worry, I will be responsible if anything happens," Khairul said.

 

According to LayPark@Kluang representative Sheikh Omar Ali, the group has no affiliations with DAP.

 

"(LayPark@Kluang) is a youth initiative [...] it has nothing to do with DAP," he said when contacted.

 

Sheikh Omar is a Johor PAS Youth member and aide to DAP’s Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong.

 

‘Define racist, please’

 

On allegations that the forum is racist, Sheikh Omar asked Umno to clarify what exactly had offended them.

 

"Is it racist because of the title? (If so) if I say 'roti canai' that is also racist, because 'roti canai' (is available) at 'mamak' and Indian stalls.

 

“If I say 'babi' (pig), will it be racist because Chinese people eat it?" he asked.

 

He said the group will proceed with the forum at a restaurant tonight, and will not hire security personnel in case of disruptions.

 

Sheikh Omar earlier received threatening messages over the forum via instant messenger application WhatsApp.

 

"If you invite people to hear your twisted stories which will confuse people [...], I will disrupt ( buat kecoh ) your forum," read the WhatsApp message sent on April 21.

 

"Does DAP think it can rule the country? Tell your leaders, DAP can’t hope to rule the country as long as Kluang youths are here [...]."

 

It was sent by an anonymous sender who only identified himself as a member of "Kluang youth".

 

It is believed that this is a reference to Kluang Umno Youth, however Malaysiakini’s calls to the sender’s number could not go through.