Cut it out, MCA tells DAP over non-Muslim MB issue

(The Star) – The MCA has told the DAP to stop harping over a non-Muslim being the Johor mentri besar.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the Sultan of Johor was aware of the DAP’s campaign on the issue.

He said the Ruler had reminded his subjects that under the state Constitution, the post could be held only by a Muslim.

“If the state government wants a non-Muslim, it has to first amend the Constitution and gain two-thirds support of the state assembly,” said Dr Chua.

“It must then get the Sultan’s consent,” he said after Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar made a stopover at the century-old Tien How Chinese Temple here yesterday. The Sultan is on a statewide Kembara Makhota expedition.

The MCA chief was commenting on news reports that quoted Johor DAP chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau as saying that although the Johor Constitution allowed only Malay Muslims to be appointed mentri besar, non-Muslims could hold the post if the Sultan gave his consent.

Dr Chua pointed out DAP’s difficulty in getting a suitable mentri besar for Perak when Pakatan Rakyat briefly took control of the state after the 2008 general election.

He said that although the DAP had won 18 seats, the mentri besar’s post was given to a member of PAS, which only won five state seats.

Meanwhile, the Sultan’s motorcycle convoy was greeted by lion and dragon dances at the temple in Jalan Fatimah here at about 8am.

The Ruler handed out gift hampers to 20 poor families.

The Tien How temple, one of the oldest here, celebrated its 100th year on April 13.

Commenting on the Ruler’s visit, Dr Chua said it was “meaningful to the Chinese community”.

“Although he is the head of Islamic affairs, the Sultan cares about all religions,” he said.

“He reminded the Chinese to stay united and for all races to work together to develop the country.

“The Sultan has stressed that there will be no development without harmony,” Dr Chua added.