KUALA LUMPUR: It is time for Malaysian political parties to rise and stand united in saying no to racism and extremism, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

       The MCA secretary-general said the rise of "extreme forces" in the country is alarming, as people are becoming less accommodating and tolerant, and appear to have less respect for each other.

       "There is someone out there trying to encroach into other people's lifestyles, banning what we can eat or drink or what we are allowed to do. There’s an elephant in the room and everyone pretends not to see it. This is worrying," said Chong.

       "It’s time for MCA, in fact, any political party in this country to rise and be united to say no to racism and extremism," he added when opening the 46th Wanita MCA annual general meeting at Wisma MCA here on Saturday (Dec 18).

       Chong was referring to recent incidents such as the ban on alcohol sale and 4D betting shops in Kedah; the restriction on sale of hard liquor at sundry shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicine halls in Kuala Lumpur; and the latest reference of the continued use of the chopsticks by the Chinese community as an obstacle to assimilation by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad among other recent statements by leaders that could be considered as extreme.

       Chong said Malaysia used to have a decent prospect in economic development to drive the country forward when Barisan Nasional was still in power.

       "However, following a fateful general election and (the Covid-19) pandemic, we no longer have such advantages," said Chong.

       He added that Indonesia is having greater development progress while Vietnam is already ahead of Malaysia.

       "Even Laos and Myanmar are talking about building a high-speed rail. If we still go on bickering about banning gambling and alcohol or whose work attire was too short and other things, when are we going to be a developed nation?" he said.

       Calling on all party members to defend secularism, freedom and fairness, Chong said it was important not to let extremism grow.

       "We cannot let extreme politics encroach into non-Muslims' rights. This is what’s bestowed on us by the Federal Constitution and we must defend it," he said.

       Chong also lauded Wanita MCA's efforts in fighting for justice for women, adding that the tabling of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill for first reading in Parliament on Wednesday (Dec 15) was a breakthrough.

       "The rights of women in the country also represent the rights of everyone in the country. This is a strong signal that enough is enough," said Chong.

       "Politicians have been using race, religion, even education and language as their capital. And this is dangerous," he added, saying that our uniqueness in Keluarga Malaysia must be honoured and respected.

       Calling on Barisan to return to its initial model that champions moderation, Chong said the extreme views uttered by some leaders in the past had cost the coalition the people's trust and support, leading to its loss in the last general election.

       "We should not repeat this mistake," he said.

       Chong noted that Barisan's recent victory in the Melaka state election should not be an indication for the 15th General Election, and called on all component parties to work harder to win the people's support.