Mind your words, analysts tell Rafizi over 'bahlol' remark

Government leaders should mind their words when speaking to the rakyat, several analysts told Malaysiakini when asked about an unsavoury remark made by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli during the Sungai Bakap by-election campaign.

“Yes, you were educated in the United Kingdom, but learn some humility.

“When you level such words to the people, you’re not showing a good example,” said Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid.

On July 5, Rafizi raised eyebrows when he labelled a naysayer “bahlol” (moron) and “bodoh” (idiot) on the final day of campaigning for the Sungai Bakap polls.

This came about after one of the attendees kept prodding the PKR deputy president over the latter’s “formulas”.

“They asked, you are the king of formula, where is your formula (for winning the by-election)?

“Such a moron. We’re in the middle of the formula, idiot,” he said during a ceramah.

Critics also panned Rafizi when he said the government would “surprise” the people when it comes to rationalising subsidy for RON95.

“We won’t reveal our plans, just like what we did for diesel,” he was reported as saying during the World Economic Forum in Dalian, China.

Repeating BN’s mistakes

On that note, Universiti Malaya’s Political Science Department senior lecturer Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said Rafizi’s conduct reflects the same mistakes made by several BN leaders in the past.

“Look at Lim Kit Siang, Anthony Loke, Saifuddin Nasution (Ismail), (Dr) Wan Azizah (Wan Ismail)… they don’t make rude remarks during ceramah.

“He seems to like repeating the same attitude shown by some BN leaders of the past which resulted in them getting voted out,” he added.

Tawfik said while the remark may have not been for all, the rakyat do not take such rude behaviour lightly as they are already struggling due to the sluggish economy.

Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia political science lecturer Lau Zhe Wei urged Rafizi to mind his manners when defending himself against criticisms.

“When someone says something you disagree with, justify your arguments politely and respectfully instead of hurling insults,” he added.

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