MCA Youth has added its criticism of a protest against Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon at a function in Penang, which Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also attended.

Referring to the display of banners by Balik Pulau Umno Youth yesterday, MCA Youth said in a statement that it was "saddened by the latest ruckus" and by the "anger and rowdiness" directed at Koh.

"This kind of behaviour goes against the grain of the Barisan Nasional (BN) spirit and, as mentioned by the prime minister, it was also very rude," said Henry Wong, head of the MCA Youth economic bureau.

"(We) can't tolerate this act of political cowardice. When the Chinese community is in hardship, we approach the respective menteris besar for a solution. We do not go round accusing them for leaving the Chinese behind. We would help the Malays and anyone else in need of help."

Wong urged Umno representatives to work harder to help their communities grow and enhance their skills and standard of living by taking advantage of various development programmes at federal and state levels.

"There should be no question about Malays being left out in the development of the state when they have a strong showing of representatives. The Malays are well represented in Penang through the BN," he pointed out.

Umno holds the deputy chief minister's portfolio, 14 state seats and four parliamentary seats. Koh is a senior leader of Gerakan, a component party in the BN.

Balanced growth needed

Wong said MCA Youth sympathises with poverty-stricken Malay communities in Penang and suggested that "regionally balanced growth" should be considered to address issues of poverty.

He cited plans for the RM15 billion South Johor Development Corridor, East Coast Development Corridor by Petronas and Northern Development Corridor by Sime Darby as examples of the government's plans "to address the issue of lopsided regional development".

Wong said MCA is doing its part by setting up a Malaysian Economic Consultative Council in collaboration with various associations.

"It is the platform to use if entrepreneurs want to match their skills and knowledge with the Chinese business community for good partnerships," he said.

During the protest, Umno Youth members had put up banners reading Koh Tsu Koon tidak ikhlas (Koh Tsu Koon is insincere); Kami diusir secara diam (We are evicted quietly); and Kerajaan negeri harus bekukan polisi perumahan (state government must freeze housing policy).

Division head Dr Hilmi Yahya has since apologised, saying he was "shocked and embarrassed" and that he did not know about the protest until he saw the banners.

Abdullah too has criticised the action, apparently targeted at Penang's housing policies which allegedly have neglected the needs of poverty-stricken members of the Malay community.

Penang Umno Youth had recently called for the chief minister's post to be rotated, in order to boost the status of the Malays, but the premier shot down the demand.