In a Facebook post, Hamizura Osman, who is the sister of PPBM vice-president Hamidah Osman, said Malays shouldn’t allow the Chinese to “step” on them and that Malaysia belonged to the Malays.
“In our efforts to topple Najib, at the same time, don’t let the Chinese step on us. There is no need to praise the Chinese among us. It is the Chinese who should beg the Malays. This land belongs to Malays,” she said.
Hamizura has since apologised over the remark.
This comes after her post drew mixed response, with some supporting her statement and others condemning her for it.
PPBM supreme council member Tariq Ismail was among those who slammed her for her remarks.
In a post on his Facebook page, he said: “I don’t agree with this racist statement. Do not use the name of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the PPBM logo in making this statement.
“The Chinese in Malaysia are Malaysian citizens and have every right to live here. We can’t deny the contributions of the Chinese to this country.”
Tariq said the party’s vision was to restore and uphold Malay dignity based on civility, manners, politeness and tact in speech and actions.
He said the right to uphold Malay pride was not to strive for Malay supremacy.
“If you want to fight for Malay supremacy by mocking and inciting the people, I challenge you to return to Umno.
“I am confident Umno wouldn’t want you. The people will reject you. We must remember that every day, when we pray to God, we ask that he leads us on the right path,” he said, adding that Hamizura should be humble.
“You’re an embarrassment to the party and Hamidah.”
Formed in September, the Malay-based PPBM is led by former Umno leaders including former prime minister Mahathir and former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.