UMNO Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh stressed that legal consequences were necessary to set a clear example for others and prevent a repeat of racist behaviour.
“People who insult another race should face legal action, not simply escape with an apology,” Free Malaysia Today reported Dr. Akmal as saying.
The Merlimau state assemblyman warned that allowing individuals to evade accountability by offering apologies could normalize offensive behaviour and make it easier for others to act with impunity.
The call for legal action follows an apology issued by the hawker involved, who operates a corn stall in Sepang.
Earlier, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang had confirmed that the hawker had expressed remorse, particularly to the Indian community, for his actions and vowed not to repeat them in the future.
The apology took place at a restaurant in Sepang, with representatives from the Indian community, local residents, influencers, and officials from the National Unity and Integration Department present.
This controversy ignited when the hawker’s sign, which contained a racial slur directed at Indians, was shared in a social media video, prompting outrage.
The Malaysian Tamil Bell Youth Club (MKBBT), an Indian youth organisation, had also called for a thorough investigation by local authorities. They condemned the sign, urging officials to take appropriate action. – February 17, 2025
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