'Why is Najib apologising?'

Stephen Ng: Bukit Bendera Umno division head, Ahmad Ismail who made a racist remark recently during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign did not apologise. Instead, it was the Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak, who made a public apology on behalf of Umno.

It is not an understatement to say that all Malaysians abhor the racist remarks made by Ahmad in his capacity as Umno divisional chief and for him to claim that he did not mean what he had uttered is as good as saying that his words and actions were that of an underaged person.

As a divisional leader, Ahmad should be personally responsible for the remarks that he had made, and we urge the deputy prime minister as the BN whip to take disciplinary action against Ahmad.

As an observer of Malaysia’s political drama, I am impressed by Anwar Ibrahim’s reprimand of the Penang deputy chief minister as well as the sacking of the Selangor menteri besar’s aide over allegations of improper conduct. It shows that no one is spared the axe if a wrong is done.

On the contrary, the nation has seen how the former state assemblyman of Selangor, the late Zakaria Md Deros, escaped any form of disciplinary action after a controversy involving him and his family was revealed.

I cannot help but urge Najib to exercise his authority as BN whip. The unhappiness expressed by the Chinese in Malaysia cannot be placated by an apology by Najib. Ahmad as divisional chief should take personal responsibility for his seditious comments.

The sad part is that he had uttered these words in the presence of the DPM and under the watchful eyes of the police as well.

Nantha Kumar: Well, proof that the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government practices racism has finally been revealed. What is the prime minister going to say now after all his talk of unity and respect for people regardless of race or religion?

His own party is now talking about racism. This is the main reason why the Barisan ship is sinking and very soon it will be gone. To Umno, please stop stirring up such negative sentiments. People are sick and tired of your political double-talk and hypocrisy.

MILLIONTH CITIZEN: So, Mr PM, the rakyat is waiting to see what action you are going to take against Ahmad Ismail for making such inflammatory racist remarks. Many police reports have been lodged by various parties on the matter. Don’t tell me you are going to remain silent? What action are you going to take to correct this racist man?

Such racist arrogance can only be displayed by Umno. Where is Ahmad? Why isn’t he explaining himself? Has his bravado deserted him now that he is in trouble? Come out and defend yourself. We, the rakyat, are waiting for an explanation.

Chuacj: The prime minister said Ahmad did not mean what he said. Does this mean the issue should be swept under the carpet?

In the world of Umno, if you take a gun and shot somebody, will there be no case if you say you didn’t mean to commit murder? If Ahmad didn’t mean his words, there are only two explanations as to why he made the remarks.

Firstly, it was an honest opinion straight from the heart. This means the words just came out from his mouth without going through his brain. If this is the case, then Ahmad is a very dangerous man as he is full of hatred. Just think want will happen if he has more power.

Secondly, he purposely played up racial sentiments to pit the various races against each other. If this is the case, shouldn’t he be charged under the Internal Security Act?

Pendatang/Squatter/Immigrant: This is an appeal Lee Chong Wei. As described by a prominent politician, you are an immigrant. You did not represent your country to win a silver medal at the Olympics. The medal you won is worthless.

Maybe you should send that medal elsewhere, where it will be appreciated. Winning a medal means nothing if your country does not recognise and appreciate you for it. And I don’t mean plying you with money and gifts.

Eileen: I come from a kampung where the Chinese and Malays lived side by side in harmony. I remember during Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, our kitchen would be full of kuih, ketupat and beef curry.

And during Chinese New Year, my mother would be busy making tons of kuih bakul for all our Malay friends.

During the local fruits season, our house would be full of rambutan, mangosteen and durians, fresh from the backyards of our Malay friends.

We were all very naive and lived happily together. We didn't know what racism was until ‘ambitious’ politicians introduced it to our lives when they came to our village to canvass for support. They used racist policies to pit us against each other in order to cling on to power.

For the past 51 years, politicians have been poisoning us. This was especially evident during the March general election and the recent Permatang Pauh by-election.

After 51 long years of struggle, is it too much to ask that we all get along and respect each other? I hope the rakyat will bury their differences and give Anwar Ibrahim a chance to lead Malaysia forward.

modified form: malaysiakini
03/09/08