PUTRAJAYA: DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has expressed disappointment over the court order obtained by police to cancel the Chinese Organisations Joint Conference, stating it was against the New Malaysia policy.
"DAP is disappointed with police decision to cancel the congress because under the New Malaysia policy, we believe in freedom of speech... there is no reason to cancel a closed-door event.
"Kongres Maruah Melayu, for example, was allowed. This should also have been allowed.
"Maybe there were some who did not agree with it but this is an aspect of New Malaysia,” he said after the closing ceremony of the 2019 Financial Literacy Festival here.
The congress was organised by Chinese education group Dong Jiao Zong to discuss the implementation of Jawi in vernacular schools next year.
The congress was supposed to be held at the auditorium of the New Era College University in Kajang last Saturday (Dec 28).
Lim also reiterated that the Cabinet had previously decided that Jawi was made optional in schools and will be decided by the parents if it should be taught to their child.
"Further the three-page and 14 alphabets of Jawi is not enough for someone to learn Jawi.
"This is matter has been played up by the opposition for their political advantage. They are playing a double game; it looks like they are against Jawi taught in schools among the Chinese people and the opposite with the Malay community.
"However, the latest development on Jawi will be discussed in parliament," he added.
It was reported that police had obtained the court order on the grounds of disturbing the peace and disallowed the Conference of Chinese Associations from convening last Saturday.