BATU PAHAT: DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang should retract his statement and apologise to Malaysians for giving a false picture about the cancellation of the “Better Beer Festival 2017”.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Lim had caused public confusion by creating a false perception that the government did not respect the rights of a multi-racial society.
He said Lim's statement was dangerous as he twisted facts for personal gain.
"Lim has accused the government and me as MCA president of lying when we explained about the cancellation of the festival, which was decided after consultation with the police.
"I have brought up the issue in the Cabinet, and I was satisfied with the explanation to reject the application to organise the festival based on security reasons.
"If Lim does not retract his statement and apologise openly, it will prove how irresponsible he is as he made the statement with ill intention," said Liow after opening the Johor MCA convention at the Che An Khor Association Building in Yong Peng, near here today.
Present were MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who is also Johor MCA chairman.
Liow said Lim did not retract his statement even when the facts were explained by the authorities.
In a blog posting yesterday, Lim accused Liow of lying when he explained the reason for the cancellation of the festival.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun had reportedly said police advised Kuala Lumpur City Hall against allowing the event solely on security reasons as they had received information of militants planning to sabotage the festival.