Anwar Ibrahim has the gumption to battle Umno and BN whereas MCA does not. And this, according to Lim Guan Eng, is the reason behind the Chinese community’s backing for the opposition leader.

Known for his acerbic remarks, especially when it comes to MCA, the DAP secretary-general ripped his rival to shreds and called on the BN party to learn from P Waythamoorthy's experience.

Lim was referring to the Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia chairperson's resignation as deputy minister after blaming Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of reneging on his promise to help the Indians.

"MCA should learn from the bitter lessons of Waythamoorthy, who resigned after eight painful and fruitless months as deputy minister because Waythamoorthy realised that he was deceived by Umno's lies and refused to be a slave to those who discriminate and divide Malaysians.

"MCA is rushing to go back into government at the same time that Waythamoorthy resigned, when it is clear that ministerial posts under Umno are meaningless as it will not make any difference in policy nor in bringing change that will improve the livelihood of the people," he said in a statement today.

Lim also called on MCA president Liow Tiong Lai to apologise to the Chinese community on behalf of the four MCA ministers responsible for supporting Operasi Lalang in 1987.

He said Liow should do so if he continues to insist that Anwar is also culpable by virtue of his cabinet position and the principle of collective responsibility.

"Liow continues to pin the blame on Anwar even though Anwar was never the home minister who signed the Internal Security Act (ISA) detention orders.  

"Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad (right) recently admitted he was responsible as he signed the detention orders for Operasi Lalang.

"As a former detainee under Operasi Lalang, I can vouch that it was Mahathir and not Anwar who signed the detention order for 18 months till my release on April 19, 1989," he added.

Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, claimed that Liow was attempting to distract attention from MCA's failures as well as "hide the shame" of MCA "abandoning its principle" of not accepting government posts for performing badly in the last general election.

"It was MCA's support for Operasi Lalang and turning its back on justice and human dignity that caused MCA to lose the support and respect of Chinese voters.

"Wrongly blaming Anwar would not redeem MCA and earn back that support principally because Anwar has decided to fight the oppression, injustice and corruption of BN whilst MCA continues to be a slave to corrupt extremists and racists merely to enjoy the perks and privileges of ministerial office," he added.