Thus, the controversial preacher said, there was no need for MCA or Gerakan leaders to urge the Federal Government to emulate Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem’s style of governance in order to attract the Chinese community in the peninsular to return to Barisan Nasional’s fold.
“That’s being ultra kiasu,” he wrote in his column published in Sinar Harian today, adding that leaders should prioritise nation-building, unity and national identity instead of political interest.
Sarawak BN saw some Chinese votes swayed in their favour in the recent state elections, which some political pundits attributed to Adenan’s policies which he implemented in the state, including recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
The Federal Government has previously stated that it does not recognise the UEC because it is not in line with the national curriculum.
Tee pointed out that the political landscape in Peninsular Malaysia is poles apart from that of Sabah and Sarawak, citing the usage of “Allah” and the Malay Bible (Al-Kitab) as an example.
While Sabahans and Sarawakians are free to use “Allah” when referring to God, the Apex court had ruled that the Arabic word was exclusive to Muslims in the peninsula.
Tee said political leaders in Peninsular Malaysia needed to understand the Malay psyche as the community was the majority, unlike in Sarawak where there was no majority race.
This, he added, was something that some “ultra kiasu” – a term used to describe the Opposition or perceived enemies of Islam – in the peninsula had failed to understand and was one of the reasons why they were angry that Sarawakians chose to back BN in the state elections.
The “ultra kiasu”, Tee claimed, wanted Malaysia to be more liberal, moderate and sought equality on all fronts.
“If it were up to them, there would be no Malay or Muslim identity. I’m sure they would agree to same-sex marriage, like the one Irshad Manji had,” he said, alluding to the author whose books were banned in Malaysia.
The “ultra kiasu”, he alleged, would label the Federal Constitution racist when it touched on religion and freedom.
“In short, they want a secular, plural and liberal Malaysia.”