Unity minister told to reprimand Kedah MB over 'racial slur'
Former de facto unity minister P Waytha Moorthy has called on National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique to reprimand Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for using racial slurs against his Indian critics.
Sanusi, facing criticism from Indian leaders from MIC and DAP over a Hindu temple demolition row, said his critics were "appearing drunk on two to three bottled after only consuming one" and also suggested that they were "drunk on toddy of popularity"...
Former de facto unity minister P Waytha Moorthy has called on National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique to reprimand Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for using racial slurs against his Indian critics.
Sanusi, facing criticism from Indian leaders from MIC and DAP over a Hindu temple demolition row, said his critics were "appearing drunk on two to three bottled after only consuming one" and also suggested that they were "drunk on toddy of popularity".
"The national unity minister must advise and reprimand the Kedah menteri besar for his racist remark on MIC and DAP leaders.
"The racist slur does not bode well in a multiracial and multicultural society," he said in a statement.
Waytha Moorthy (above), who is also the Malaysian Advancement Party president, said Sanusi should instead address the main issue of religious freedom in Kedah.
"The menteri besar should address the real issue of his failure allocate for freedom of religion by providing land for Hindu temples or alternatives rather than turning it into a racist attack on Hindus," he said.
Waytha Moorthy added that the PAS central leadership should also reconsider whether Sanusi is the right person to serve as the Kedah menteri besar.
Sanusi was sworn in as the Kedah menteri besar in May after the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan plus Kedah government led by Mukhriz Mahathir.
'PM must show leadership'
Meanwhile, Klang MP Charles Santiago also ticked off Sanusi for his insinuations, calling him "arrogant and ignorant.
"Sanusi must know that his words can instigate hate speech and even targeted attacks against the Indians.
"The demolition of a Hindu temple and the response from the MIC could have been handled in a professional manner instead of choosing to indulge in racial slur," he said.
Charles also asked if PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang agreed with Sanusi's statement.
"And it’s equally disheartening to see no leadership from Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is yet to reprimand Sanusi for such crass choice of words.
Or is he too incapable of being the leader for all Malaysians like Sanusi?" said the DAP lawmaker.
Meanwhile, DAP's Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto said also criticised Sanusi for his statement.
"This un-statesman like statement coming from a Head of State is shocking as it is downright rude, insulting, ignorant and shows the dreadful lack of content of character.
"Sanusi must realise, in a multilingual and multicultural Malaysia, where leaders are expected to build bridges between communities, ethnicities and religion, he must set higher standards for himself and not behave like a destructive tool to demolish harmony amongst peace-loving Malaysians," she said.
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