GEORGE TOWN – The chorus calling for Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor to apologise is getting louder over his recent “toddy” remarks.
Lawyers for Justice coordinator S. Raveentharan today said using such derogatory terms ought to be considered criminal if uttered during proceedings.
“We must reject such language on a consistent basis, only then we will learn.
“Those who use such verbal abuse should be bound by the law, which can be interpreted as intimidation and discriminatory under the Penal Code or Criminal Procedure Code.
“Usually, there is even imprisonment for using derogatory remarks against individuals or groups,” he said in an interview.
He, however, added that many politicians appear to be getting away with such behaviour.
“We feel that minorities no longer seem to have a voice. But it does not mean that our self-respect must be stripped away. We have rights, too, and we deserve mutual respect.”
Meanwhile, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto in a statement urged Sanusi to relook the history of Kedah, a place with Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic influences dating back thousands of years.
“He should utilise this as an architect towards nation-building,” she said.
She added that the menteri besar from PAS once again displayed his lack of leadership in his statements following the demolition of Hindu shrines and temples in Kedah, most recently making personal attacks against the Indian community.
Penang Consumers Protection Association president Datuk K. Koris Atan said the time has come for politicians to be penalised if they resort to using hateful and derogatory remarks.
“We should ban words that are offensive to certain communities from being used in writing and speech, especially in public.” – The Vibes, December 6, 2020
