‘Tongsan’ should mean Malaysia, not China: DAP leader

KUALA LUMPUR — ‘Tongsan’ to Malaysians of all racial and religious backgrounds refers to Malaysia and not China, India or any other foreign nation, Mr Lim Kit Siang said.

The DAP veteran in a speech in Johor today (Nov 28), said this in a message to all “narrow-minded, extremist and intolerant” leaders in Malaysia who he claims still do not understand what the 1Malaysia concept means.

“It is time that these narrow-minded, extremist and intolerant elements learn that ‘tongsan’ for Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, is Malaysia itself and not mainland China, Indian subcontinent or any other foreign land!” he said according to a copy of his speech.

The Gelang Patah MP was referring to reports earlier this month quoting UMNO’s Mr Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim as telling DAP’s Mr Jimmy Wong to “balik tongsan”, which means to “go back to China”.

According to The Star, Mr Abdul Azeez made the remark in Parliament after he was interrupted by a few opposition lawmakers.

Mr Abdul Azeez had reportedly said to Mr Wong, “Apek, duduklah” (Apek, sit down lah), using a derogatory term for the Chinese.

When Mr Wong refused to sit down, Mr Abdul Azeez reportedly told him to “balik tongsan”.

Mr Lim said the incident was proof that despite the 58 years of nation-building, there are still those who do not understand that Malaysians across the races share a common national identity.

He admitted, however, that it was not possible to have every Malaysian see themselves as “Malaysian first and last” in 58 years as it is a work in progress.

“But those who espouse narrow-minded, extremist and intolerant racial and religious attitudes are not qualified to be elected as ministers or MPs for they would have violated their oath as a MP to ‘bear true faith and allegiance to Malaysia’ and to ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution’,” he said.

On Nov 8, Mr Abdul Azeez was quoted in The Star Online as explaining that his “balik tongsan” remark was made in jest.

He also claimed that he has been called “tambi” before but took it in stride.

“My friends in the media of all languages also know my good relations with all people and they can surely vouch that I am no racist,” Mr Abdul Azeez was quoted saying in the news portal. MALAYMAIL ONLINE