An MCA leader has accused DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang of sensationalising two pre-Chinese New Year incidents in an attempt to incite unrest among the Chinese community and the people.

MCA publicity spokesperson Ti Lian Ker said both incidents were "honest mistakes" and the parties concerned had apologised for what was described by their critics as a sign of disrespect to the Chinese community.

In a statement, Ti cited Petronas' original white ang pau packet design - commonly associated with Chinese funerals - and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry's newspaper advertisement which featured a barking rooster rather than a dog...