Racial politics still relevant, says former IGP

Zurairi AR, TMI

Tan Sri Musa Hassan endorsed racial politics last night, arguing that race-based component parties in Barisan Nasional (BN) are still relevant in preventing conflicts.

The former Inspector-General of Police also criticised political parties that, he said, claimed to be multiracial, but would still harp on the rights of a certain race.

“For me, political parties based on races are still relevant. Because we need to together share power to take care of our country’s peace,” Musa said at a forum here organised by anti-PKR NGO Gagasan Anti Penyelewengan Selangor (GAPS).

“There is no need for us to listen to people who say that it is now irrelevant.”

According to Musa, race-based parties are important in representing the races so that conflicts such as the May 13 incident can be solved quickly.

“If not, we will be like the Arab countries, we will keep on fighting without end,” he added.

The former top cop has been vocal on issues regarding Malaysia’s peace and security as he criticised the current police force under IGP Tan Sri Ismail Omar.

In February, he had also warned that an “Arab Spring” can happen here if losing parties in the general election are dissatisfied with the result.

“I am confident that the losing parties will use their supporters to create chaos to topple the government just like what happened in the Middle East.

“Political parties must restrain themselves and behave appropriately starting now,” Musa said.

The forum last night on the Lahad Datu armed conflict was also critical of the Arab Spring and non-violent resistance.

A documentary played before the forum started depicted scenes of various people’s uprising rallies around the world, and accused them of being sponsored by foreign elements to sow discord in various countries.