UMNO/BN: No Entry

GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional may be reaching a “point of no return” if instances of racist remarks and anti-social behaviour continue to tarnish the image of Umno and Barisan Nasional.

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon likened these incidents to drops of blue dye spoiling pots of milk.

“Barisan may have many ‘pots of milk’ because of the good work and goodwill we have achieved and accumulated over 50 years of nation-building,” he said in a statement.

“However, if too many drops of ‘blue dye’ continue to be sprayed, all of Barisan’s pots of milk will eventually be spoilt and we may be reaching a critical point of no return now.”

He renewed his call for a code of conduct for all Barisan parties with provisions for stern disciplinary action.

“Barisan and all component parties have to be very firm and fast in dealing with irresponsible and insensitive remarks and behaviour. Provisions for disciplinary action in the Code of Conduct should be applied automatically and immediately, before any racist remark triggers off an adverse chain reaction.

“If the remark or behaviour is serious enough, appropriate action under the Sedition Act and other relevant laws must be taken at the same time,” he said.

Dr Koh also welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s apology on behalf of Umno.

“Najib’s sincerity has helped to ease somewhat the anger and tension arising out of (Umno Bukit Bendera division chairman) Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s insulting racist remark,” he said.

However, he added that the incident had jeopardised the image of Umno and Barisan.

-The Star Online