Beware of Opposition’s lies and manipulation, says Liow

Hitting hard at the Opposition’s modus operandi, the MCA chief says voters must remain level-headed in deciding who to vote for

(Berita Daily) – Malaysians have been told not to allow themselves to be manipulated by the exploits of the Opposition in GE14.

MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said that voters must remain level-headed and consider carefully all the information presented before going out to make their voices heard and their votes count.

“It is no surprise that certain parties manipulate the people’s emotions on a handful of issues, hoping to divert and distract them from the government’s achievements.

“Instead of articulating what it can do for the community and country, the Opposition has consistently exploited people’s emotions to win them over,” he said in an opinion piece published in The Star today.

Liow, who will be defending his Bentong parliamentary seat, said the Opposition’s poor service record spoke volumes as their leaders hop, skip and jump from seat to seat to avoid the outcome of their non-commitment to their constituents.

“They blame others for things they see as wrong, while hiding their duplicitous nature behind their outrageous sales pitches and the confidence that they have the people in their pockets.”

He added that he won in Bentong by 12,549 votes in 2008 and only 379 votes in 2013 amidst accusations of blackouts and other such lies.

He said that after GE13, his challenger Wong Tack from DAP had admitted there was never a blackout, and that the Astro AEC reporter who first reported the so-called blackout had also apologised for his false and biased reporting.

“That fake news nightmare, however, continues to be used against me today.

“At a recent DAP ceramah, Wong hypocritically chose to revisit the “blackout” fake news by advising people to come armed with torches when casting their votes.

“It is sad to see that the Opposition continues to use malicious lies and rumours to build its platform.

“Its leaders joke about everything in their mean-spirited campaign speeches when they should be focusing on nation-building,” said Liow.

He pointed out that his immediate response to the significantly decreased majority was not to abandon ship, shirk his duty or turn his back on the people of Bentong.

“Instead, I saw it as an opportunity to work harder to serve them, remain committed and help them in every way possible. My intentions have always been genuine.”

Wong will once again contest in Bentong for DAP. PAS has also named its candidate for the seat to make it a multi-cornered fight on May 9.

Liow also said that as the Opposition continued to sow seeds of doubt, bitterness and hatred towards the government, one must reflect on whether these petty attributes were the right tools for nation-building.

“Make no mistake. The Opposition’s modus operandi is cunningly devious. It often weaves stories to distract people from targeting its own weaknesses.

“But think about it: has the Opposition ever answered any of the questions raised as transparently as it demands of others?

“Even those within its own ranks who question certain leaders are immediately censured and ostracised,” he said.

He added that the opposition leaders preached accountability and transparency, but they failed to practise it themselves.

“And the Opposition is plagued by nepotism. One really needs to question whether it exists to serve the community and nation or merely its kith and kin, and to preserve its personal convictions and commitments.”