Smith's comments show National's true colours

Senior National MP Lockwood Smith's offensive racial comments reflect a lack of respect for Pacific Island and Asian people and recall the attitudes shown by National in the dawn raid era, says the Labour Party's Pacific Sector Council.

Smith's comments, which stereotyped Pacific Islanders as needing to be taught "how to use a toilet or shower" were made in Marlborough on Monday.

Sector Chair Jerome Mika says the remarks show the lack of respect National has for Pacific Islanders.

"National will cosy up to us and be our friends when they want our votes but statements like Lockwood Smith's show how they truly feel about Pacific Islanders.

"To make matters worse National leader John Key has refused to remove Smith as immigration spokesman.

"National has a long history of doing wrong by Pacific Islanders from the dawn raids to the policies of the 90's that saw unemployment peak and families suffer.

"By contrast Pacific Islanders and their culture have done well under Labour and our Pacific team stands for our community and against National's damaging policies and offensive attitudes."

ENDS

© Scoop Media