MCA Youth also wants an apology from DAP for the years of negative remarks, which resulted in the Chinese community abandoning MCA.

MCA Youth deputy chairman Tan Chee Hiong said DAP’s statements in the past had caused both MCA and Umno to lose significant support.

“These irresponsible remarks, including accusing MCA of colluding with Umno to sell out the Chinese, portraying MCA as an accomplice to Umno’s racism, and labelling MCA as traitors for defending the ‘corrupt’ Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, have caused considerable damage.

“Labelling MCA as traitors to the Chinese community led to voters abandoning the party. 

“That is why MCA Youth believes that DAP should not only apologise to Umno but also to MCA,” Tan said in a statement.

On Thursday, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said DAP should publicly apologise to Umno for its past actions for Umno members to accept DAP.

Umno, MCA and DAP are all part of the federal unity government.

Tan said DAP had previously apologised to Gabungan Parti Sarawak for the sake of forming the unity government and national unity but did not extend an apology to MCA.

“I agree with (Penang Chief Minister) Chow Kon Yeow that we need to look towards the future, but looking towards the future does not mean we can ignore the past. An apology is the first step, but DAP also needs to engage in self-reflection and change.

“In our society, we need to build a more responsible, fair, and inclusive political culture. We need an environment where everyone feels respected and accepted.

“We need more than just an apology; we need to see changes in DAP. Only then can we ensure a healthier and fairer political environment for the future of Malaysia,” he said.

Akmal’s demand for a DAP apology was immediately dismissed by his party boss Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid said there was no need for DAP to apologise as the matter has already been resolved during negotiations to form the coalition government, and should not be raised again.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke echoed Zahid’s view and called on the federal government’s parties to let bygones be bygones. – June 10, 2023.