This is why the Chinese-based party did not reject Tee’s application to be a member 16 years ago on the grounds that he was a Muslim, its National Organising Secretary Yoo Wei How explained.

“So stop accusing MCA as ‘an enemy of Islam’,” he said, in a statement, in response to Tee’s accusation that MCA had become very racial and an enemy of Islam.

Tee announced his decision to quit the party as a result of MCA’s stand against PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang’s Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act last Thursday.

Yoo argued that it was Tee who spewed extremist views and Malaysians, especially the Chinese community, had read his rhetoric and less-than-flattering description of the Chinese from his news columns.

The party and the Chinese community, Yoo added, had expected Tee to become a bridge to Islam, but sadly his words and deeds did little to realise such hopes.

Yoo went on to state that while it was not surprised that Tee decided to quit MCA, they respected the lecturer’s decision to do so.

“If Ridhuan Tee is unable to agree with the party’s position to safeguard the interests of Malaysian Chinese and all Malaysians against the implementation of PAS’ hudud enactments, and chooses to withdraw from the party, MCA will respect his personal opinions.”