Let's say 'maaf zahir batin'

I think its better they make themselves disappear for good the sooner the better . I just can't stand the two cry babies , morons of the highest order !

KUALA LUMPUR – Let’s forgive each other for the mistakes and wrongdoings of the past, MCA president Ong Tee Keat tells his members, advising them to emulate the Muslims’ gesture of maaf zahir batin during the Hari Raya celebrations.

“As the president of MCA I would like to advise everyone in the party to emulate our Muslim brothers and sisters to forgive each other during this festival, and to foster goodwill.”

He made this plea when speaking to reporters at the MCA’s Chinese New Year Media Night here on Wednesday.

Ong, who had repeatedly offered the 'olive branch' to his opponents in the party, was responding to the absence of three key officials – vice-president Liow Tiong Lai, MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong and MCA Wanita chief Chew Me Fun – at the function.

They had said earlier they will boycott events that Ong attends.

'I welcome with open arms'

“I’m a bit disappointed but it is up to them. This is an open house. Everyone is welcome and nobody is being sidelined.

“Even if Lim Kit Siang (DAP advisor) is here I will welcome him with open arms,” said Ong.

Deputy party president Cr Chua Soi Lek made a brief attendance before excusing himself to attend another event the same evening.

MCA information and communication bureau chairman Heng Seai Kie (pic) accompanied Ong in their table rounds during the event, which featured cultural presentations, quizzes and a luck draw.

Ong said the MCA presidential council will be meeting on Friday to discuss the party constitution.

Who can serve people better?

He said there would be “a bit of change” in the constitution, adding that the party would engage in frequent dialogues with religious, social and economic-based NGOs to strengthen the MCA.

Asked about the controversial statement by Gerakan advisor Lim Keng Yaik that the party could not hope to win back the Penang government from the DAP, Ong said:

“If you ask me, the most important thing is not about the politics. It is about who can serve the people better.

“There should be a healthy race among the parties to see who can serve the people better.

“At the end, the people will choose, not the politician. They should remember that.”

On Kit Siang's 'political style'

Regarding remarks by Kit Siang that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is unable to work well with his deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin, Ong said:

“That is Kit Siang’s political style. The world has changed but Kit Siang has not changed.

“He continues to come out with statements condemning the government.

“Even when I started to question about the Port Klang Free Trade Zone, he said I had my own personal agenda.

Wheelchair-bound Ong, during a 'walkabout' in KL's Chinatown area, on the eve of Chinese New Year

“He can say whatever he wants to say. For me, we (the government) must make the taxpayers’ money worthy.

“Whatever we do or advise the private sector to do, it is not about glamour. It is about serving the people.”

Ong, who was seen limping as he moved about, said in jest: “It happened when I was young and trying to be a hero.”

He recently underwent surgery for his heel and then suffered from inflammation of the digestive system.

“Now that I am older, I think that I should have taken care of my health while still young.

“So, I’d like to advice young people today: don’t wait until you get old to try to improve your health and fitness. Do it when you are young and maintain it all the way till you are old.” – Malaysian Mirror