Pansy Wong National Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson

4 October 2002

Challenge for Pan Asian Congress to stay politically neutral

I am looking forward to Pan Asian Congress keeping all political parties honest in policies towards Asian communities, says National Ethnic Affairs spokesperson, Pansy Wong MP.

"The Pan Asian congress distinguishes itself from established organisations such as the Federation of Ethnic Councils, NZ Chinese associations, Central Indian associations and Korean societies, by claiming to be a high profile political lobby group. "New Zealand Firsts' Winston Peters claimed victory recently over his anti-immigration stands when Labour raised pass marks for professional migrants twice in two months.

"Labour has clamped down on loopholes of Asian migrants' children studying here on the basis of anecdotal statements.

"An apolitical lobbyist group like the Pan Asian Congress needs to have the fortitude to scrutinise all political parties and ensure that their rhetoric matches their actions," Pansy Wong said.

Ends

© Scoop Media