Street demos not the way to air grievances, says Koh
SUMBER THE STAR
PENANG: All Barisan Nasional component parties must adhere to the stand that street demonstrations are not the proper way to convey views and express feelings, especially in a multi-national society, acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said.
The former Chief Minister said that this has been the stand of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Barisan top leadership objecting to demonstrations held by various groups prior to the recent general election.
"We have to be consistent, he said when commenting on Friday's street demonstration by Penang Umno members and supporters at Komtar to protest against his successor Lim Guan Eng's recent statement on abolishing the New Economic Policy (NEP).
"No doubt, street demonstrations may serve the purpose of allowing people to air their grievances or feelings and to raise awareness on certain issues.
"However, as often pointed out by Barisan's top leaders, such acts may heighten tension and even lead to conflicts in a multiracial and multi-ethnic society if it gets out of hand," he said, adding that the freedom of assembly should be used wisely and effectively.
He said holding forums and seminars, and the presentation of memoranda with concrete proposals supported by facts and figures would be a more fruitful approach in resolving issues instead of organising street demonstrations.
"This way, we can effectively evaluate the programmes and measure the actual progress made within a certain timeframe and hence effectively put pressure on the DAP-led state government," he added.
PENANG: All Barisan Nasional component parties must adhere to the stand that street demonstrations are not the proper way to convey views and express feelings, especially in a multi-national society, acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said.
The former Chief Minister said that this has been the stand of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Barisan top leadership objecting to demonstrations held by various groups prior to the recent general election.
"We have to be consistent, he said when commenting on Friday's street demonstration by Penang Umno members and supporters at Komtar to protest against his successor Lim Guan Eng's recent statement on abolishing the New Economic Policy (NEP).
"No doubt, street demonstrations may serve the purpose of allowing people to air their grievances or feelings and to raise awareness on certain issues.
"However, as often pointed out by Barisan's top leaders, such acts may heighten tension and even lead to conflicts in a multiracial and multi-ethnic society if it gets out of hand," he said, adding that the freedom of assembly should be used wisely and effectively.
He said holding forums and seminars, and the presentation of memoranda with concrete proposals supported by facts and figures would be a more fruitful approach in resolving issues instead of organising street demonstrations.
"This way, we can effectively evaluate the programmes and measure the actual progress made within a certain timeframe and hence effectively put pressure on the DAP-led state government," he added.
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