ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin has joined other Umno leaders in voicing opposition to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming's proposal to nominate new Chinese villages in Selangor as Unesco World Heritage sites.
He questioned why only Chinese villages were elevated while there were no similar efforts for Malay and Indian settlements, particularly amid demolition and disruption of Malay villages.
Shaiful said the proposal from Nga, who is also DAP vice-chairman, does not reflect those of a government representing diverse ethnicities and religions.
"This is especially considering DAP's claim of being a multicultural and multireligious party," he said in a statement today.
Shaiful said that Nga must be mindful that holding a ministerial position does not authorise proposing contentious issues that could be perceived as a form of ethnocide.
"This appears as an attempt to preserve only his own community's culture while neglecting the traditions and history of other villages," he added.
Shaiful said DAP leaders seemed to forget that they are no longer the opposition and may have overlooked their collaboration with Umno.
"It's crucial to consider the sensitivities of other parties and not view Umno as a mere tree stump.
"However, I'm not surprised, as of late, DAP leaders have become increasingly bold in making racially-charged statements and criticisms... (these include people) such as Tony Pua and Ramkarpal Singh," he added.
Shaiful said some DAP leaders' recent actions have raised concerns within Kedah Umno.
"There are masterminds within DAP attempting to disrupt the harmony of the coalition government and incite discord among component parties.
"Whether they like it or not, they need to refrain from stirring up religious and racial sentiments," he added.
It was reported that Nga 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.