LETTER | Two pieces of news caught my attention recently. One was a Parliament session where one MP was being called gelap (dark) and was asked to pakai bedak (wear face powder) by another MP. The other was an incident in California where a Briton was thrown out of a restaurant by a waitress after witnessing him hurling racial slurs at an Asian American family.
As a minority in this country, I feel that this is something that could happen to any of us. Gladly, I can still confidently vouch for my friends of different races - they will not hesitate to stand up for me should similar incidents happen.
What puzzled me was the response of other MPs from the offending team. No one stood up for Kasthuriraani Patto (Harapan-Batu Kawan). If there is any, their sense of righteousness is probably buried beneath their so-called “loyalty” and allegiance to the coalition.
It is a shame that the MP from Baling, Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, continued to defend himself the next day when he was told to retract his uncivilised statement. I find it even more appalling to see netizens leaving comments that Kasthuriraani was overly sensitive.
The constant racist and sexist remarks made by our honourable representatives in parliament have seemingly justified the spread of racism in the name of racial unity. It is ironic how not long ago our prime minister emphasised the importance of our Rukunegara (National Principles) and now the fifth - Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan (Courtesy and Morality)- was clearly violated.
It worries me as a Malaysian to see many racist remarks being made under the veil of anonymity and there are clearly no good examples set even in a sacred place i.e. the Parliament. We are left to do our bit as Malaysians.
So I plead to you Malaysians out there - we can start the change. Love your neighbours and treat everyone with dignity. Hopefully, one day, we will all be ready to defend the oppressed and put those racists to shame.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
