MARAN MP Datuk Seri Ismail Abdul Muttalib has denied accusations of racism and sedition following his parliamentary questions about alleged communist links to new Chinese villages in Malaysia.
He said his aim in speaking about the villages was to help bring about an integration of the communities since he said he observed that in some of the villages, some Chinese Malaysians could not speak Malay properly.
However, some have criticised his statements as perpetuating negative stereotypes about the Chinese community.
The issue of national unity and inter-ethnic relations remains a sensitive topic in Malaysia, with ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
Criticising the MP for his comments, @meiginalah said:
Wisdom comes with age. Not physical aging but the mindset and intent. You should be promoting cordiality, harmony to strengthen an integrated community . Not raise fear for nothing.
— COUNTESS OF LEDANG MOUNTAIN (@meiginalah) April 14, 2023
Many netizens believe the PAS MP has nothing to speak about and raised this issue to gain attention. Some voiced their views that the voters were responsible for putting this MP in Parliament.
Meanwhile, @VergilTan said:
Tahun ni 2033 bukan 1983. Komunis outdated untuk cina la dei.Kampung baru cina sekarang ni bukan macam dulu tepi hutan.Apa security concern?Nak main dap=komunis lagi ke.
— Vergil Tan (@VergilTan) April 14, 2023
He reminded the PAS MP that we are in 2023 and not 1983.
“This is 2033 not 1983. Communists are outdated for the Chinese. The new Chinese village is not like how it used to be back then, at the edge of the forest. What is the security concern? Are we playing the DAP-communist card again?”
Moreover, @paragornx added:
Only in Msia. Org cam gine suroh dtg pi mai luar negara. Rasanya2 siapa yg lebih toleransi? tepuk dada tanya selera. Isu2 camne dah lapuk lah. Org matang x kan bermain dgn benda2 cam gine. Sudahlah, jangan nak mengeruhkan suasana aman di Msia.
— A glimpse of hope (@paragornx) April 14, 2023
Basically, the user is saying this kind of comment from an MP can only be found in Malaysia.
The user also said the issue is outdated. “Mature people don’t play with things like this. Please don’t disturb the peaceful atmosphere in Malaysia.” — April 15, 2023
Main photo credit: Borneo Post Online
