SHAH ALAM - Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has slammed MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker for demanding an apology from DAP over their labeling of members as traitors for accepting customs and uniforms based on Malay traditions.
Lim dismissed the claims as absurd, emphasising that they occurred many decades ago.
He argued that such statements would not benefit the coalition, especially during the state election preparations and seat allocation negotiations.
Lim then highlighted MCA's support for a former prime minister involved in the massive 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
He pointed out that during the peak of the scandal, MCA leaders had fully backed the prime minister.
Lim stated that Malaysians were still awaiting an apology from MCA for this matter and questioned when it would be forthcoming.
"During the peak of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, right before the 14th General Election in 2018, MCA leaders gave their full support to a prime minister who was involved in one of the biggest financial scandals in the world.
"Actually, Malaysians are still waiting for MCA to apologise and the question now is when will the public receive their apology?.
"So this is the best time to tell them, it's MCA's turn to say sorry!," he said in a statement yesterday.
Lim clarified that DAP had already apologised to other parties, such as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Umno, but not to MCA and MIC.
On Saturday, MCA had called on DAP to apologise for labeling their members as 'Umno lapdogs' and traitors due to their adherence to Malay customs and traditional attire.
MCA's remarks came after media reported that DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang will receive 'Tan Sri' title, requiring him to wear the traditional Malay ceremonial attire.
In a related matter, Lim asserted that it was high time Kit Siang received this recognition for his contributions to Malaysian politics, as he was a dedicated politician committed to promoting unity and progress in the country.