A war of words over the King of Fruits erupted on the weekend between MCA and DAP, with pricking accusations of lies and insolence.

The catalyst was MCA president Liow Tiong Lai's announcement last Friday that the party would use its own logo for the upcoming Balakong by-election in Selangor.

This prompted Perak DAP chief Nga Kor Ming to hold a press conference the next day, where he likened MCA's logo – yellow star against a blue backdrop – to a durian.

“They made an announcement, Oh! They will not use the BN logo because the logo 'sudah busuk' (rotten).

“They want to use their own 'durian' logo... Their logo is in the shape of a durian, like the 'Musang King' (one of the more expensive variants of) durian,” he added. 

According to Nga, who is also the Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker, this was an attempt to dupe the voters in Balakong.

“MCA is still a part of BN. But they don't want to use the BN logo, they want to use their own logo.

“This sends two messages. First, MCA itself is not confident of BN. Second, they are using their own logo so that voters will think they are no longer with BN.

“MCA has not changed... still peddling lies. If MCA wants to use its own logo, then it must leave the BN coalition. This what they say 'sharing a pillow, but having different dreams', ” he added.

In a Facebook posting yesterday, MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong accused Nga of disrespecting the Jalur Gemilang.

“The (fourteen-pointed) star represents the 13 states and Federal Territories. He called it a 'durian; and disrespected out flag and nation.

“Insolent. Please apologise,” he said.

The Balakong by-election would be held on Aug 8. The state assembly seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent from DAP, Eddie Ng.