CHIN PENG CONTROVERSY: Two points of view from Mukhriz, Sivarasa
(The Malay Mail) CONTROVERSY surrounds Chin Peng’s request to return to Malaysia. The debate over the former secretary-general of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) has sparked a war of words between PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
Anwar has openly spoken in favour of Chin Peng’s return and, as he expected, has come under fire from many. Most prominent among them is Mukhriz who accused Anwar of having no regard for the sacrifices made by the security forces.
Anwar’s stand is based mainly on humanitarian grounds as well as the fact that other CPM leaders have been allowed back, so why exclude Chin Peng?
As Anwar declined to comment on the issue, JANIS SEET spoke to Mukhriz as well as PKR vice-president Sivarasa Rasiah to find out more about the position they were taking in this controversy.
Mukhriz
Q. Why do you oppose Chin Peng’s return to Malaysia. Was he not fighting for Malaya in those days as well?
A. He was not fighting for Malaya, only for himself. I see it as him trying to take over the country by force, to be the dictator. Chin Peng was instrumental in the murder of many of our own citizens. What really is the definition of a freedom fighter? I vehemently object to his return and do not see a need for it as it would just reopen old wounds.
Q. What would Umno’s reaction be if he were allowed to return and was accorded a hero’s welcome by certain groups of people?
A. I don’t think even China regards him as a hero! I can’t claim to speak for the whole of Umno, but if I had a say I would advocate strong protest and objection.
Q. What are your views on Anwar’s stand on the matter?
A. He is showing very little empathy for all those who fought for the safety and security of the country. By trivialising the whole episode, it indicates that he is willing to politicise any issue to gain political mileage. He should look at the longterm effects as well and let the matter rest. Having said that, I am not surprised that he would make such a suggestion but we do not share his sentiments on it.
Sivarasa
Q. Anwar has said that Chin Peng should be allowed to return to Malaysia. What could be the reason for this?
A. The party’s position is the same. We see it as a purely humanitarian gesture. Our argument is that the government must be consistent in its practices. They allowed the return of people like Shamsiah Fakeh and Rashid Maidin who were high ranking leaders of the CPM. So why is there an inconsistent position on Chin Peng? It seems as though the objection is based on race.
Q. Should Chin Peng be accorded a hero’s welcome if he does return?
A. Whatever welcome that people want to give him is purely up to them. Our point is that he is just an old man who wants to come back to the country where he was born. To live out his last years.
Q. What are your views on Mukhriz’s stand?
A. Historically, let’s look at Japan. The Japanese committed atrocities here during the war. Today, we are friendly with them and even trade with Japan. During the 70s Malaysia established diplomatic ties with China, which at one time supported the CPM. Does all this not reopen old wounds as well? The bottom line is that we must deal with history and move on.
