IS PKR still considering fielding Najwan Halimi in Kota Anggerik despite the backlash from the Indian community over his remarks against Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)?
This question looms large as many are calling on the party leadership to address the issue and some are urging Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil to take action against Najwan.
The latter has faced criticism for referring to PSM as a “Parti India Estet” in a WhatsApp group chat.
PSM’s secretary-general Sivarajan Arumugam shared a screenshot of the chat on Twitter, leading to a wave of criticism towards Najwan.
Sivarajan wrote:
If this is your comment @NajwanHalimi, this is a racist remark against @partisosialis candidate! Another hypocrite in @pakatanharapan_ exposed! Do we need such wakil rakyat? pic.twitter.com/4KofQ5CiLi
— Sivarajan (@ASivarajan) July 14, 2023
Eventually, Najwan apologised on Twitter and stated that he had personally called Sivarajan to apologise for his inappropriate statement regarding the party’s nomination.
However, the PSM secretary-general did not take down the Twitter post after Najwan’s apology. Netizens are still commenting and some are saying they will not vote for the incumbent YB in the next state elections (PRN).
Twitter users are also urging him to withdraw from running in the upcoming election, claiming that the Indian community will not support him this time.
Najwan commented on the appointment of a PSM member and social activist Sivaranjani Manickamin Meru for the election.
In his apology, Najwan admitted his remark was inappropriate and invited misunderstanding, and he said he has contacted Sivarajan to apologise to PSM and its members. He added that he will be more careful in the future with his remarks and hopes the issue is put to rest.
Saya ambil maklum tentang penularan di media sosial satu tangkap layar dari aplikasi WhatsApp yang memaparkan mesej dari saya terkait keputusan @partisosialis (PSM) yang mengumumkan calon untuk bertanding di kerusi DUN Meru dalam pilihan raya negeri akan datang beserta ayat yang…
— Najwan Halimi (@NajwanHalimi) July 14, 2023
“I take full responsibility for the writing, which was my ignorant impression towards PSM that I have long known to be in the forefront of championing issues in the Indian community especially those who live and work in the estates.
“I admit this ignorance stems from my weakness in not knowing PSM more closely and deeply.” – July 15, 2023
