Ali Mazat Salleh (BN-Bukit Permai) had launched into his ‘pantun’ (poem) during the debate on the 2018 Johor Budget when Yeo Tung Siong (DAP-Pekan Nenas) objected to the use of the word, saying it had racial overtones, and requested that Mohamad Aziz dismiss Ali Mazat from the house.
Yeo was backed by Tan Hong Ping (DAP-Mengkibol), Yeo Tung Siong (DAP-Pekan Nanas) and Gan Peck Cheng (DAP-Penggaram).
Hong Ping said the use of the word did not at all reflect the concept of ‘Bangsa Johor’ (Johor Community).
Mohammad Aziz advised the opposition assemblymen to remain calm and Ali Mazat resumed his speech by replacing the words ‘Anak Cina’ with ‘Anak Ali’ in the poem.
Ali Mazat told reporters outside the assembly that he had no intention of raising racial sentiments and said the poem had been written in the 70s.
“I have no desire to insult the Chinese. The poem is an old one which was common among schoolchildren then.
“Is that racial? I hope the members of the house would be more rational and understand the culture of us Malaysians,” he said.