KUALA LUMPUR: DAP deputy secretary-general Nga Kor Ming’s action of ridiculing Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by touching on the issue of his mortality, has been deemed rude, uncouth, extreme and disgusting, and runs contrary to the customs and norms of the people of Malaysia.
National Council of Professors (MPN) history, heritage and socio-culture cluster head, Prof Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong, said Ng’s actions and words are unacceptable and likened to the behaviour of an “irrational person” for his willingness to ridicule an elderly man who also happens to be a DAP ally.
He said Nga’s actions reflect his true character as a DAP leader who is not only rejected by the public at large but also the country’s Chinese community.
“It appears that Nga does not think very far before he speaks. It is clear that he lack principles or morals, hardly the qualities one expects in a leader of the people. His actions are not only crude and ill-mannered but also embarrasses the community.
“This is not reflective of the Chinese culture; even those who are against the government are able to maintain their decency and decorum. We do not recognise this vile act of ridiculing an elder and playing around with the issue of one’s mortality, especially as it involves a supposed ally,” he said.
Throughout the 11 days of campaigning, clips of Nga’s speech during his ceramah sessions have created controversy, thanks to his unsavoury choice of words when referring to Dr Mahathir.
In one clip, Nga was described as saying that the 14th General Election was the best time to change the government as they have Dr Mahathir to help them, and that “Dr Mahathir could be dead” by the time the 15th General Election comes.
“When Mahathir dies, when he ‘checks into’ the afterlife, and the next election comes and Mahathir isn’t here, what other ways are there? “None, right? That’s why we have to seize this opportunity The horse (Dr Mahathir) kills the chicken (Najib); if we miss this opportunity, we may have to wait another 60 years,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) political science programme lecturer, Abdul Muein Abadi said, DAP has been clever in seizing the opportunity by ‘re-branding’ to align itself with fellow opposition parties for the sake of gaining power, despite having different political goals.
“Their trend of using Malay figures or leaders has been repeated many times in order to gain Malay votes. But this marks the first time they have gone so far as to sacrifice their logo in the election.
“This is their tactic to lure in Malay voters, and it’s hardly surprising that they are harping on the issue of Dr Mahathir’s death as DAP still need to strengthen their core voter base, which comprise the Chinese ultras,” he said.
Former DAP leader, Dr Tan Seng Giaw, said Nga should avoid using expletives during his ceramah, as one’s speech reflects one’s own culture.
“Civilised people do not encourage the use of coarse language. Malaysia has progressed because its people are civil. Regardless of which political party they’re from, politicians need to maintain their decorum,” he said.
MPN consultative panel member, Associate Prof Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman, Nga’s words appear to prove DAP’s agenda in wanting to embed itself within the Malay community to gain power.
“It hardly comes as surprising when DAP plays up sentiments of death or otherwise due to their desperation to fish for Malay votes by using Dr Mahathir.”