KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen’s statement to denounce the playing of
Negara Ku in cinemas on Malaysia Day has received angry reaction from political leaders.
Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
Abdullah Saidol
Cr Sempurai Petrus Ngelai
Chong, in his Facebook page, among others wrote, “Is Malaysia heading towards the communist Mao era where everywhere you go, you must shout loud and show that you are patriotic?”
Chong has subsequently apologised for his comment and subsequently retracted the posting.
Chief political secretary to Chief Minister Abdullah Saidol, said although Chong has apologised and retracted the posting, the first impression mattered most.
“I am surprise and disgusted at the same time over the comment and attitude of a Malaysian citizen, who is an elected representative. Although he (Chong) subsequently acknowledged his comment as inappropriate, his first impression about the subject (national anthem) counts,” Abdullah said.
The Semop assemblyman said many people have read the comment, and Chong should be ashamed of himself.
“How dare he (Chong) compare us to Mao’s communist era,” Abdullah said, adding it was
not wrong to stand for a few minutes in cinemas while the National Anthem was playing.
Abdullah believed many people were able to judge by themselves the despicable attitude shown by Chong and that “speaks loud about who he is and what he represents”.
He added that Malaysians from all walks of life, irrespective of their political belief, must fully understand the significance of Malaysia Day, and should feel proud to celebrate it.
“It is a day when we of all races and religions can call Malaysia, for bad or worst, our beloved motherland where we live peacefully like what we have been doing for the past 51 years.”
Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, also said Chong’s statement was uncalled for and should not have come from an elected representative who have made an Oath of Loyalty to the King and country after winning the parliamentary seat.
He added that Chong, who is also Kota Sentosa assemblyman, must know that the government was doing its best to unite Malaysians and among others singing and respecting the National Anthem.
“If YB Chong is not happy that the National Anthem was being played at cinemas, he can always voice it out at a proper channel, and not to make a bad joke out of it,” Abdul Karim said.
He was however happy to note that Chong has realised his mistakes and apologised for the unbecoming remark.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth also condemned Chong’s posting.
“PRS Youth condemns any act of disrespect to our National Anthem. In any country throughout the world National Anthem is a pride and soul of the nation. It reflects each country’s identity,” said PRS deputy youth chief Cr Sempurai Petrus Ngelai.
He added lately, some leaders who were supposed to show and lead by example their love and pride towards the country’s National Anthem, began to question the rationale for it to be played at entertainment outlets.
Sempurani, who is a lawyer by profession, also opined that the National Anthem could be sung at any official and non-official functions especially during the National Day and Malaysia Day.
“It symbolises the respect and patriotism. Singing the National Anthem in any places be it entertainment, public or at private functions shouldn’t be an issues,” he said.
“In fact it should be sung more frequently to foster the spirit of patriotism among all Malaysians. Being a multi-cultural and multi-racial society, Malaysians should see and sing the National Anthem to unite us,” added Sempurai.