Only Umno, Barisan can fulfil Chinese’s needs, says Shabery

Only Umno and Barisan Nasional can meet the needs of the Chinese, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, after delegates urged the party to quit wooing them back.

The Umno supreme council member said the party would never forget the Chinese as they are part of the country; but stressed that it will not ignore the Malays.

"No, we cannot forget the Chinese. But, at the same time, Umno will have to make sure that the core of the nation is not lost, which is the Malays.

"We have to take care of the Malays, and ensure that the community will unite under Umno. Then, I believe the Chinese will have no choice but to come to with Umno because they (the Chinese) are practical people," Shabery said after launching a book titled “Kuasa Propaganda” at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur today.

"What is the point of them supporting other parties that may not be able to give them what they want? And what they want most is related to the economy and whoever that can provide stability to the country."

He said he believed that if Umno took into account the interests of all Malaysians, the Chinese would surely support the party.

"To provide peace and security, we have to protect everyone so that we can go on with our lives.

"If Umno can provide this stability to all, then there will be no problems. I believe they (the Chinese) will then come back to Umno."

Shabery was responding to Perak delegate Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan's statement asking party leaders to give up wooing the Chinese community as they would continue to reject Barisan Nasional.

Radzi had said that the support from the Chinese would not increase as it was "akin to pouring water on a desert."

The Communications and Multimedia Minister said Mohd Radzi was entitled to his own opinion but added that it could not be used as an excuse for Umno to completely abandon the Chinese community.

Penang delegate Datuk Mohd Zaid Mohd Said, meanwhile, lashed out at the Chinese community, especially those in the northern states, saying that many of them were rich through illicit activities, such as illegal gambling, prostitution and entertainment outlets. – November 28, 2014.