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Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the agreement between Umno Youth and Suqiu (Malaysian Chinese Organizations' Election Appeals Committee) on 5 January 2001. 6 January 2001.

Today, the press reports that Suqiu (Malaysian Chinese Organizations' Election Appeals Committee) and Umno Youth issued a joint statement saying that the former "put aside" seven of its 83-point election appeals in view of the "prevailing ethnic tension". The seven appeals are said to touch on Malay rights.

We have always maintained that all sectors must have the policy of merits and needs. People who need help are given help irrespective of race, colour or creed.

Talking of the Vision Development Policy to make Malaysia a developed nation, we must look into various aspects of the abuse and misuse of rights and privileges. For example, let us glance at the Civil Service, education and economy. We are having more public universities. None has ever had a non-Malay as a Vice-Chancellor. Does it mean that in the past decades, there is not a single non-Malay who is qualified to assume the post? What sort of special rights and privileges that deny the non-Malays the opportunities? Will denying non-Malays of important posts ensure that this country will achieve the status of a developed nation? Will giving privatized projects to a selected few guarantee a harmonious and united country?

The abuse and misuse of rights and privileges affect tolerance and harmony between and within the races. Whatever Umno and Umno Youth's posturing, this type of abuse will not help the long-term survival of this nation.

After Suqiu presented the 83-point appeals on 16 August 1999, Barisan National, BN, showed its support in order to garner votes. But, after the general election on 29 November 1999 with BN achieving the two-third majority in Parliament and especially after the defeat of the BN in the Lunas by-election, the BN has been responsible for the furore arising from the Suqiu. BN has gone back on its words.

In our multiracial society, multiracialism should be the basis of policies in the country. We must recognize the sensitivity of every race. Only then can we promote tolerance without which the country cannot survive for long. If the small group of people continue to abuse the rights and privileges, any preaching of tolerance will be futile.

The abuse of rights and privileges at the expense of the gap between and within the races and the mushrooming of irregularities such as cronyism and nepotism continue to play havoc in Malaysia. Hence, we require a comprehensive review and eradication of this type of abuse.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw