http://dapmalaysia.org  

Adnan Yaakob should apologise for insensitive, offensive  and insulting remark on opium-smoking and implying that gambling is  a way of life of Malaysian Chinese in 21st century Speech -  Cheras DAP Branch anniversary dinner by Lim Kit Siang (Petaling Jaya,  Saturday): It is most shocking that the Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob made the insensitive and insulting remark  on opium-smoking and implying that gambling is  a way of life of the  Malaysian Chinese in the 21st century.  Speaking in Kuantan on Monday, Adnan revealed that the Federal Government had issued  the licence for a second gambling centre in Malaysia at Colmar Tropicale Resort in Bukit Tinggi. The first one is at Genting Highlands.    Adnan  said the gaming centres are not for Muslims who are not allowed to go there to gamble.  He said the issue of the licence of gambling centres is to have orderly conduct of the gambling activities just like the British  colonial government did when it  allowed specified areas for  opium-smoking by the Chinese.   The comparison is most inappropriate,  insensitive and  offensive.  Adnan seemed to forget that we are  in the 21st century in  the year 2003, and not a century ago, during the British colonial times or the days of the Opium War.  Secondly, it is shocking that at this age and time, there are still UMNO leaders who associate opium-smoking and gambling as a Chinese way of life.  Adnan Yaakob should withdraw and apologise for his  insensitive, insulting and offensive remark on opium-smoking and for implying that gambling is  a way of life of the Malaysians Chinese in the 21st century.  The Cabinet on Wednesday should direct  Adnan to apologise for his  insensitive, insulting  and offensive remark.  As  Malaysia is not back to the British colonial times, but is practising a system of parliamentary democracy, the Cabinet should defer the issue of a second gambling centre in the country at Bukit Tinggi for a final decision by the  non-Muslim MPs in Parliament since Adnan claimed  that it is   meant for non-Muslims only. (26/4/2003) * Lim Kit Siang, DAP National Chairman