MCA Deputy Publicity Chief Loh Seng Kok said Azhar’s statement was seditious because he had made references to inciting racial riots and that “elected representatives should be reminded that the immunity of the state assembly is not a carte blanche to misuse the freedom of speech which is given ."

“MCA regrets the remarks made by Azhar which warn of a repeat of May 13. That remark along with his statement of Malay gangsters ‘to teach a lesson’ is hurtful and insensitive to the feelings of decent Malaysians as well as an insult to the Malays as it portrays them to be a violent race ” said Loh in a statement.

He dismissed the Umno leader’s suggestion for the army to take over the duties of maintaining law and order in the country saying it was “unnecessary as our country is not in a state of emergency ”.

He pointed out that Azhar’s statement could jeopardise foreign direct investments into Penang as “many multinational companies park their factories in Penang ”.

“By asking the army to take over Azhar may have struck fear into Malaysians with images of the Emergency period coming back to those who have lived through that era.