LETTER | It was reported that Big Blue Taxi Services founder Shamsubahrin Ismail allegedly made a derogatory statement on motorcycle ride-sharing company Gojek's riders and Indonesians in a video clip that went viral in Indonesia.

If no apology is forthcoming from Shamsubahrin, Gabungan Aksi Roda Dua (Garda) national chief Igun Wicaksono said the riders will submit a protest letter to the Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia Zainal Abidin Bakar and may demonstrate at the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta on Sept 3.

I urge Gojek riders to ignore this individual who only represented himself and continue riding to make Gojek and Indonesia proud, just as what the Blue Bird Group had done for taxi services in Indonesia.

In Malaysia, taxi companies have long admired and often quoted Blue Bird operations as the blue riband for taxi services. Indonesians have every reason to be proud of Blue Bird and Gojek, as both brands are household names in their country.

Both Blue Bird and Gojek has expanded into a multitude of services. Gojek is operating in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Last year, it became the largest consumer technology group in Southeast Asia based on the gross transaction value of over US$9 billion.

To the more than two million Gojek riders, carry on riding. You have good reasons to be proud as you have helped create another giant in Southeast Asia, and your success is also celebrated by your neighbours in the true spirit of Asean.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.