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| * MCA Bagan chief Dr Tan Chuan Hong (Second from right) expressed regret over the action of an individual who misused his (Tan’s) photograph by changing it into the face of a Sikh man before posting it on Facebook four days ago. He accompanied MCA Taman Sri Orkid branch chairman Tan Ming Huan and Bagan Jermal branch chairman Lim Jit Fong to lodge a report at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) office in Jalan Bagan Luar. |
BUTTERWORTH: Bagan MCA division has lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over a superimposed picture with slanderous remarks on MCA-linked institutions of higher learning. They wants the Communications and Multimedia Ministry to investigate and take action against individuals who misuse social media which can lead to racial tension.
Its chief Dr Tan Chuan Hong expressed regret over the action of an individual who misused his (Tan’s) photograph by changing it into the face of a Sikh man before posting it on Facebook four days ago.
To compound matters, Tan said the individual also uploaded a slanderous status, claiming that MCA raked in millions in profits by increasing the tuition fees of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR UC) students.
“Such action has crossed the line and the slander should not be allowed to spread further as it can create friction and affect the harmony between the Chinese and the Sikh in the country.
He said the photo also showed the man holding a placard in Chinese that reads: “Objecting to MCA for raising student fees. Rahman has earned MCA hundreds of millions in profit each year.”
Dr Tan said in the original picture, he was holding a placard with Chinese characters that urged the Penang government to resolve flood woes in the state.
“Several party members told me after seeing the picture on Facebook on Sunday.
“The perpetrator superimposed a picture of me with that of a Sikh.
“It also sends out false information that Rahman has been raking in hundreds of millions of ringgit in profit for MCA,” he said after accompanying Taman Orkid MCA branch chairman Tan Ming Huan in lodging a report at the MCMC office here on Monday (26 Nov).
He had accompanied MCA Taman Sri Orkid branch chairman Tan Ming Huan and Bagan Jermal branch chairman Lim Jit Fong to lodge a report at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) office in Jalan Bagan Luar here.
Tan said Ming Huan had lodged a police report and urged the authorities to investigate the matter.
“The photo of me which was used was taken during a function where I had made known my stand on the need to address the perennial flood problems.
“However, it was superimposed on an unknown individual wearing the MCA T-shirt with untrue statements.
“This not only encourages cyber bullying but can sow the seed of hatred,” he said.
Tan also hoped that the government would not make any further irrelevant announcements, which can confuse the people.
“By doing so, this will give rise to irresponsible quarters to manipulate the issue and cause unnecessary confusion,” he said.
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| Calling for action: Dr Tan showing the original and doctored photos at the MCMC office at Jalan Bagan Luar in Butterworth. |
Meanwhile, Lim said he was worried that the spread of false news would result in the government stopping any aid for UTAR and TAR UC, with the amount given to both institutions decreasing.
“As an alumni of TAR UC, I know the difficulty of those who work tirelessly in developing the institution, thanks to donations from well wishers.
“Again, if MCA has the money, as claimed, there is no need for us to get government funding. The fact is we are hoping the government will continue to help to ease the students’ burden,” he said.
He stressed that UTAR and TAR UC were not only for the Chinese but open to all races.
“More importantly, the institutions are free from politics although MCA has a role in shaping them. I was there from 1999 until 2004 and we, as students, are free to go about any project without political interference,” he said.
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| Lim Jit Fong (Left) and Tan Ming Huan (right) interview by Press. |
Last Saturday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng warned that action would be taken against MCA if it increases the tuition fees of both UTAR and TAR UC.
Under Budget 2019 announced by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng on Nov 2 this year, Putrajaya allocated RM5.5 million for development expenditure to UTAR and TAR UC, but no operating expenditure.
MCA president Wee Ka Siong had cautioned that UTAR and TAR UC might see increases in fees with allocation for operating expenditures.
But last Saturday, Lim had warned MCA that action will be taken against the party if it ‘punishes’ students by increasing tuition fees.
Source: NST, BERNAMA, The Star
