PEOPLE should focus on economic issues instead of harping on stale political rhetoric much like the recent Malay Dignity Congress, says former servicemen Capt (Rtd) Wong Ang Peng.

“Nation building has stepped backward with this so-called Malay Dignity Congress.

“The speeches in the forum were stale rhetoric, mostly political and nothing intellectual. In politics, one says one thing but does something different,” said Wong, who is also the public communications director of the National Patriots’ Association (Patriots).

He said all the points mentioned at the congress could have been counter argued in another intellectual forum.

“But it is pointless. Building bridges and fostering understanding is more important after more than 60 years of divisive politicking,” he told the Malaysian Insight.

He also questioned what could the congress hope to add to society as it had only instigated more hatred and suspicion.

Wong said what is more important now was to move forward and face the impending economic hardships together.

“Recession is only a matter of when, and not if it happens.

“Each ethnic group cannot survive on its own when our country is in economic hardship. We need to support each other.

“We also need to act and ensure the burden among those in the B40 group is lightened. Government expenditure has to be prudent. Revenue collection has to be innovative.”

The gathering organised by four of public universities saw more than 5,000 in attendance, including Malay ministers and politicians from Pakatan Harapan as well as the opposition. – October 7, 2019.