MANJUNG: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming will meet Umno leaders to discuss his proposal to nominate new Chinese villages in Selangor as Unesco World Heritage Sites.
This follows statements from several Umno leaders who claimed the proposal touched on the position of the Malay-Bumiputera community.
"I have already contacted Umno leaders to discuss this matter.
"We invite them to engage in discussions so that we can deliberate and understand the facts so that they are not misled by the opposition," he said after officiating the Setia Kawan Arch and Chinese New Year Celebration at the Kampung Koh Heritage Community Centre here today.
Nga also assured the ministry would conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the proposal's viability.
"Upon obtaining the study's results, and if deemed feasible, I will bring the matter for deliberation at the Cabinet level,.
"I urge all parties to refrain from framing this issue as one rooted in racial tensions, as such narratives only serve to divide us. We must steer clear of divisive attitudes."
Nga recently said that the proposal to nominate Chinese new villages in Selangor as a Unesco World Heritage Site was to recognise their cultural and historical importance since they were formed 76 years ago.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki rejected the proposal, saying the implications were too big and indirectly affected the Malay-Bumiputera position in the country.
He claimed the matter was against the Federal Constitution, which only recognised the Bumiputera as original residents with certain rights.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan was quoted as saying that the racially charged statements of DAP leaders were harmful to the sensitivities of the people as well as the harmony of society.
Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was reported as saying the proposal should be brought to the Cabinet or discussed in Parliament.