KUALA LUMPUR – Rafizi Ramli’s advice to non-Malay colleagues in Pakatan Harapan (PH) on how to speak about rival Malay leaders and issues has triggered independent candidate Siti Kasim, who has told the PKR leader to stop talking about race and religion.
Siti, who is running for the Batu parliamentary seat, lashed out in a video on Twitter urging Rafizi to stop harping on racial and religious differences.
“This is the problem that I have been saying all these years, the PKR leadership claims we have to guard the sensitivities of the Malays.
“What about the sensitivity of other races? Who is protecting their feelings?
“Eh, Rafizi, you think Malays are so sensitive huh? Just because you want to get votes, you are willing to ask non-Malays to shut their mouths to defend their rights. Is this right? I don’t think so!” the lawyer said.
She said Malaysians should not fall for such rhetoric, and as citizens of the same country, should look after each others’ feelings and not just the Malays.
“Rise, and say no more of this stupid politics that uses race and religion all the time. OK? Please, politicians, Raifiz, it’s time you buck up and don’t use religion anymore,” said Siti who is one of 10 candidates for the Batu seat.
Yesterday, Rafizi in a video, advised non-Malays in PH to be mindful of how they spoke about Malay issues or when talking about rival Malay leaders, especially if religious figures are involved.
“That is sensitive because it can be twisted to be about a non-Muslim insulting a Muslim,” the PKR deputy president said.
He added that if PH colleagues are not careful when making statements that involved race, Islam, the monarchy and the national language, their statements could be exaggerated by Umno, PAS and Bersatu to play up the issue of racism and to cover up the corruption and weakness of their administration. – The Vibes, November 12, 2022
