Ignore Umno publicity hounds, says Gerakan
MalaysiaKini.com
Oct 8, 2014

Weighing into the vernacular school saga, Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong said there is no need to give publicity to those who make ridiculous statements on the issue.

He said vernacular schools have been playing an important role for the last 50 years and  contributed to nation building.

"I think that we should not get so excited by one or two mid-level (Umno) members making all these remarks," he told reporters.

Mah said certain leaders make such statements to garner publicity, and the media should not give them space.

"We should not give so much publicity, then everybody will just make ridiculous statements and get the same sort of publicity," he added.

The Gerakan president said vernacular schools are recognised by the government, which also provides them aid.

"So I think is not an issue," he added.

'I no longer reply to Perkasa'

Leading by example, he said that he no longer responds to statements from Malay rights'group Perkasa.

"I also not respond at all to what Perkasa said, because he can said anything he like, I don’t really care any more.

"I think the media does not need to give them so much coverage, and there is no need to respond to every issue.

"Some people make statements just to get five minutes (of publicity) or in the newspaper."

Yesterday, Cheras Umno chief Syed Ali Alhabshee (left) urged the government to look into setting up a single-stream school system.

He said the time has perhaps come to abolish vernacular schools, which are considered a platform to fan racial sentiments.

Syed Ali said unlike vernacular schools, a single stream school would help mould a Malaysian identity among students and provide the environment for students of all races to interact.

He also called on BN component party leaders to view the matter in a positive light.

Meanwhile, Mah said Gerakan has already given its suggestions to the prime minister over the Budget 2015, which will be unveiled Friday.

The proposals include issues of cost of living and public transportation, he said.

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