The government should not succumb to political pressure nor act in a vindictive manner over the return of Chin Peng’s ashes, said MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu.
In a statement yesterday, Gan said the ashes of the former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) secretary-general should be allowed to be brought home in the spirit of the Hatyai Peace Accord 1989.
“We should let the departed rest in peace.
“That the Malaysia Communist Party played a part in resistance to Japanese occupation, that the CPM killed and inflicted cruelty on the people are all indisputable historical facts.
“The resolution to all these histories are all reflected in the Hatyai Peace Accord which provided for the government’s guarantees of safe return to those who laid down arms,” he said, adding that this was also applicable to Chin Peng.
The communist leader died at a hospital in Bangkok on Monday morning, aged 89.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had said that said Chin Peng’s remains would not be allowed back into the country.
Gan pointed out that Malaysia had established diplomatic relations with Japan despite the atrocities during the Japanese occupation here, and had even implemented the “Look East” policy which was introduced in 1982.
“All great religions seek to promote moderation and forgiveness.
“If we cannot be taught to forgive and forget, we will always subject ourselves to unnecessary venom of anger,” he said -ThestarOnline
