In an unprecedented move, Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief, General Abdul Aziz Zainal Tuesday (9 Sept) urged the government to act against those using race as an issue as this could threaten the security of the nation.

Bernama reported him as saying, "Racial issues should not be raised as they are a threat to national security," at a Hari Raya presentation ceremony by Wanita Umno for the MAF and Royal Malaysian Police in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday (9 Sept).

Abdul Aziz said racial issues could raise tensions if not addressed early on. "In reality, racial issues are a major threat to the country and must be avoided," he stressed.

His remarks come in the aftermath of the uproar following the controversial remarks of Penang Umno's Bukit Bendera division chief Ahmad Ismail for his disparaging remarks about Chinese being squatters (penumpang).

Tempers flared further Monday (8 Sept) when he called a press conference and read out a 14-page statement which further enraged the Gerakan and MCA, the two dominant Chinese parties in the Barisan Nasional (BN). He demanded that Gerakan's chief Dr Koh Tsu Koon be sacked as the BN state chief while one of his supporters tore a poster of Dr Koh. The party immediately cut ties with Penang state Umno. (MySinchew)