By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
Noh delivers his speech at the Selangor BN Convention April 7, 2010. — Picture by Jack Ooi
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar apologised today over his recent remarks that Chinese and Indians should be “grateful” for being made Malaysian citizens.
The Selangor Umno deputy chief made the remarks at the Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) Convention yesterday.
In an official statement released earlier, Noh said his remarks then were merely quotes from both the late Tun Tan Siew Sin and the late Tun VT Sambathan, and were never meant to offend.
“I did not intend to hurt the feelings of any race, for me what was read was an important historical piece to ensure that this country remains peaceful and its people live harmoniously in line with the 1 Malaysia concept,” he said.
He claimed the purpose of reading excerpts from the late political leaders were to reinforce the spirit of co-operation among members and leaders of BN.
“If the speech was not appropriate to be read in the context of today’s generation, then I am sorry,” said Noh.
The contents of Noh’s speech had been the focus of attacks by Puchong MP, Gobind Singh Deo, in Parliament earlier today.
Gobind claimed in Parliament that Noh had said that the Chinese and Indians should be “grateful” because they are granted citizenship.
“Umno is still insulting people, especially Indians and Chinese... this is absolute rubbish,” said Gobind.
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