YOURSAY ‘Once a while, they have to make some outrageous racist statements.’

Unapologetic Ismail gets hero's welcome

Vijay47: I have no doubt about Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s popularity within Umno following his offensive racist comments against Chinese traders.

Those who voiced support for him are of the same breed as he is, complying with the example set by the entire Umno hierarchy, beginning with its president and especially including that man holding the position of home minister.

What else can we expect of Umno? This extremism is the only way left for them, their only hope to staying in power through influencing imbeciles easily swayed to confusion and loss of faith.

If these Malay heroes have any pride, they should, yes, boycott all Chinese businesses including working for them and owning shares in Chinese companies. And while they are at it, they can also refuse the payment of taxes by the Chinese.

Anonymous #44199885: Only in this country is a racist and extremist, who despite holding a position of responsibility in governing a nation, is hailed a "hero" for remarks that tantamount to inciting hatred between communities and putting fear of life and liberty in them.

The complete disregard and disrespect shown to the Agong, who has called for an end to racism and extremism, and the misguided and ill-advised celebration by Umno Youth of the racist rant of an Umno minister goes to show the level of decay besetting the leadership of this country.

It is proof for all to see that the saviour of Malaysia will have to the rakyat themselves. We can neither rely on the ruling party nor the opposition; both are mired in their own agendas.

The people will have to take it upon themselves to do what each can to make Malaysia better for all and shame these politicians into, yes, leaving our country.

Kangkung: How does one propel oneself to the centre stage in Umno? Well, you make the most racist or bigoted statement.

That is why Umno ministers and supporters are all trying to outdo one another at making hate speeches.

Ismail Sabri is now riding high for having made the most seditious remark. And he knows as an Umno minister he can do anything with impunity.

Peacemaker: Ismail Sabri must be mighty pleased that he has spawned a following among like-minded racists.

Meanwhile, MCA and MIC meekly stand on the sidelines while they dutifully received a whipping. I am ashamed to be a Malay.

Foodforthought: That’s the peril of squatting under Umno-BN's armpit.

Guna Otak: Why aren’t toll fees lowered since fuel prices are down? Why are electricity tariffs not lowered?                           

Why are water rates not lowered? Why are assessment rates not lowered? Why are Astro subscription fees not lowered? Why are bus fares not lowered? Why Internet connection fees not lowered?

These are all big companies which should set the example instead of asking small businesses to lower prices.

Waktamnoko: I do agree with what the minister suggested, but he should have requested us to boycott all businesses that fail to reduce prices and not only to those belonging to the Chinese.

I have frequented both a mamak and a Malay eatery recently, and sad to say I was totally shocked by their prices.

In Kuantan, I ate a plate of nasi lemak, sunny side-up fried egg and small cuttings of beef plus a cup of tea. The price came to RM7.80. In Batu Caves, I was charged RM18 for a plate of rice plus fish curry and a glass of watermelon juice to go with it. 

Wira: If the Malays can come out with retail prices lower than the Chinese, do you think the Chinese will still shop at Chinese-owned stores?

Followers of Ismail Sabri apparently cannot compete with others as otherwise they would see this as a golden opportunity to set up retail chains and offer cheaper goods to beat the Chinese merchants. They need APs (approved permits) and government contracts to survive.

Turvy: This is what happens when politicians who have no understanding of good governance are voted into power.

They see government as a locus of power to steal from the public wealth. When that power is threatened, they will resort to any means, including the destruction of the nation to maintain control.

In Malaysia, Malay rights and those of other neglected sections are protected only because of the racial diversity. Politicians will have a grand time leeching on the nation and its people if there is only one race to dupe.

Ismail Sabri and others of his ilk, if they are honest, should look at the pricing of goods that are not only sold through Chinese agencies. But they won’t. They rather ruin the nation.

Malaccan: If Ismail Sabri will not quit or apologise, then his immediate master must be made to bear the responsibility.

The PM must be held accountable and apologise for Ismail Sabri's rabid, racist and seditious statement, and the PM must quit for appointing Ismail Sabri as minister.

The only way ahead with ministers who are recalcitrant and have defective character and behaviour is for voters and citizens to punish his masters.

This minister will not bow to public disdain and abhorrence of his actions nor will he care to do the right and honourable thing because such politicians think they are above everyone and treats voters like medieval serfs.

For too long ministers have act as neo-nobles in a feudalistic society. They must not be allowed to ride roughshod over the citizens anymore.

Above the PM are his party and the ruling coalition, which must bear the stain and taint of its ministers and leaders. To do otherwise would be to allow them to rip the country apart.

Shibboleth: Ismail Sabri is only following those before him. To stay in the limelight and to remain relevant in the party, once a while, he has to make some outrageous racist statements.

Ismail Sabri, if you’re a very nice man...

The ‘wet monkeys’ syndrome in Umno

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