As MCA criticised DAP’s Chinese New Year (CNY) parody video - in reference to RM2.6 billion donation - for spoiling the festive mood, DAP leaders PJ Utara MP Tony Pua and Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching who are featured in the video hit back saying MCA don't understand the people’s plight.

Pua reiterated that the parody Cai Shen Dao (The God of wealth is here) did not have any error on facts.

Should MCA feel bad, it means they agree with DAP’s criticism, he added.

“BN only serves things on a silver platter. There is nothing wrong in the video’s content. I urged MCA to pick up any factual error in it, but nothing.

“MCA feels uncomfortable because they know the people will agree with us. They hope we will not publicise their scandals,” the DAP national publicity secretary told Malaysiakini when met today.

Talking about the making of the video, Pua said Cai Shen Dao and Cai Shen (God of wealth) are renowned figures in the Chinese Malaysian society.

“In Malaysia, nobody will deny that the biggest God of wealth is the donor of RM2.6 billion. It's a legend.

“As such, Cai Shen Dao is suitable for satirical songs,” he said, adding that the parody was only released by the end of CNY due to busy schedule.

Monkey business in monkey year

Pua also quipped: “If we don’t do monkey business in monkey year, what should we do? If the publicity secretary not doing publicity, what should we do?”

He was responding to the criticism hurled by MCA central committee member Lim Chin Fui who urged the duo not to embroil in monkey business, a clear reference to the Chinese zodiac of the monkey year 2016.

Lim slammed the parody which he claimed was meant to stir up people’s anger to get cheap publicity.

“What’s their objective to make such clip? As people’ representative, (they) don’t need to court people’s favour via mischievous clips.

“They could utilise their identity as MPs to speak in the Parliament, otherwise (they) should vacate the seat for capable people,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Meanwhile, Teo ( photo ) said the reference of RM2.6 billion donation and economic downturn in the video are of public concern.

“The video is full of fun. If you could not smile over it, perhaps you are not comfortable with it. Maybe (MCA thought) they were alluded.

“It was shot based on reality in Malaysia. This is not to sabotage CNY but to add more smiles.

“The clips did not affect CNY mood but its contents such as RM2.6 billion donation, economic downturn and increase in unemployment did,” she told Malaysiakini , adding that such issues are the main cause of spoiling the festive mood.

The DAP national assistant publicity secretary also countered that MCA is trying to divert the attention from the RM2.6 billion donation.

“Everyone wants to know the story behind the RM2.6 billion, but only MCA believes that PM and attorney-general’s explanations are satisfactory and without doubt,” she added.

According to Teo, they have spent six hours to finish the shooting of Cai Shen Dao ’s parody.

“ Cai Shen Dao is a CNY traditional song. It is a good song as the Chinese people love Cai Shen.

“But in reality, not many people gets Cai Shen’s blessing. Perhaps only Najib get the God’s blessing," she quipped.

Teo added that the song is suitable for the purpose of explaining the RM2.6 billion donation.

Contradicts with CNY spirit

MCA Youth treasurer Michael Lee said the video runs contrary to the spirit of CNY.

“The CNY celebration is the grandest among the Chinese festivities during which the Chinese people would only exchange greetings of goodwill, perform good deeds and have good intentions, apart from reinforcing the traditional values of harmony, filial piety and comradeship.

“Instead, Pua and Teo have resorted to modify the festive lyrics and spoof the prime minister and the government through the video and set a very bad and distasteful example.

“DAP has never missed any opportunity to spread hatred among the people. However, as Chinese Malaysians, the duo must be made to realise that there is a need to scale down during sacred festivals. The duo's action must be condemned,” Lee said in a statement.

DAP had on Saturday released the humorous CNY video dubbed Cai Shen Dao , parodying the issue of the RM2.6 billion found in Najib's personal bank accounts, which he later claimed was a donation from the Middle East.

It is aimed to raise funds for DAP's campaign in the upcoming Sarawak state election.

As the video gained momentum, the party made one with English subtitles .