Ex-MCA president Ong Tee Keat has warned that Malaysia will be left in tatters if Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak continues to ignore the raising issues that divide the country.

Condemning the opposing factions involved in clashes over the ‘Kangkung Flash Mob’ in Penang on Jan 16, Ong (left) said this only reflects the degeneration brought about by partisan politics.

"The fact of the matter is, this escalation of polemics, hatred and threats is getting out of hand, and is causing great concern among the public, including myself," Ong said on his Facebook page.

"We can ill afford any form of auto-piloting by whoever in the driver's seat. It is now time for the prime minister-cum-BN chairperson to intervene before our fragile racial harmony is thrown into tatters."

He also chided MCA leaders for remaining silent in the face of public racial threats.

"(While) the central leadership was busy with (its) so-called ‘Transformation Camp’ to deliberate over the weekend on whether the party should make a comeback to the federal cabinet, Penang Umno (was) busy holding a gathering of (its) own - this time to pointedly threaten the public by resurrecting the spectre of May 13 racial riot," Ong said.

'Low and shallow politics'

The flash mob led by PKR’s Machang Bubuk assemblyperson Lee Khai Loon had irked Umno members and supporters, prompting a rally in Seberang Jaya to protest his allegedly uncouth behaviour.

They carried a banner displaying blood-red letters that screamed ‘Because of DAP's leaders mouth, May 13, 1969 happened... Want some more?’.

On Sunday another pro-government rally was held, where Lee's photo was spat on and two passersby were attacked.

Ong said it was such provocations that worry "right thinking" Malaysians who want harmony and peace.

"Honestly, the entire episode only reveals how low and shallow our partisan politics could turn out to be," he said.

He also criticised Lee, who had ‘fed’ kangkung to an effigy of Najib in mocking his use of the kangkung analogy on price fluctuations of essential goods.

Ong said it was unkind to incite hatred at a time when the people are battling the difficulties of a weakening global economy and higher prices locally.

"I wonder why both sides of the political divide have remained adamant (about not engaging) with one another in seeking viable solutions to the problems at hand," he added.