Gerakan President, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, strongly criticised Dato’ Azhar Ibrahim for referring to the May 13 race riots, army takeover and possible retaliations by thugs in a manner that has been perceived as undue and uncouth threats in the Penang State Legislative Assembly yesterday.

Dr Koh also hit at Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and DAP leaders for repeatedly making harsh and crude attacks and allegations against the BN federal leadership and federal agencies on every matter, totally negating what the BN and the Malaysian people have achieved together over the past five (5) decades.

Dr Koh told Guan Eng that he should focus on state matters in his winding-up speech, rather than behaving like an opposition leader against the BN, even in the Penang State Legislative Assembly. “He seems to have forgotten that he is the CM,” said Dr Koh who was the former CM.

Dr Koh said, while realising that Azhar wanted to defend the BN and UMNO against attacks by PR leaders, he has gone over board in a negative and destructive manner. “He has thus opened himself to further attacks by the opposing side, and damaged BN’s image as a moderate coalition for all Malaysians,” said Dr Koh.

“Although he may have genuine concern about potential adverse reactions from the Malays and UMNO members towards DAP’s repeated provocations, he should not have expressed himself in a threatening manner. He should have countered with convincing arguments, rather than losing his temper.”

Dr Koh talked to Azhar over the telephone yesterday evening to express his (Dr Koh’s) disapproval and displeasure. Azhar explained that during the debate, he was provoked by the Chief Minister with serious racial under tone. However, he subsequently withdrew the statement immediately and was accepted by the Speaker and the State Assembly. Despite that, Dr Koh reminded him that he should have had better control of himself as the Leader of the Opposition for BN in the Penang State Legislative Assembly.

Dr Koh also advised all Barisan Nasional leaders, especially in Penang, to respond to harsh criticisms by the opposing side in a cool, controlled and cogent manner, and “not to lose our heads and then lose the hearts of the people,” said Dr Koh.