KUALA LUMPUR – The PKR lawmaker, who shot to national infamy after her “drinking Malay women” remark linked to the Timah whiskey in Parliament yesterday, has apologised to those who took offence.
In a brief statement today, Tangga Batu MP Rusnah Aluai said her speech in the lower house had been misunderstood.
“I take note of the responses towards my speech in Parliament on the issue of Timah. Although my intention was to ensure there is no confusion pertaining to the label (on the liquor), my remark was misunderstood.
“As such, to those who were offended by my speech, I apologise.”
KENYATAAN MEDIA YB RUSNAH ALUAI BERHUBUNG ISU JENAMA TIMAH PADA WHISKY KELUARAN MALAYSIA
— Rusnah Aluai (@RusnahAluaiP136) October 29, 2021
Saya meneliti respon dan maklum balas terhadap ucapan saya di Parlimen berhubung isu ‘Timah’ tempoh hari.
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During the Dewan Rakyat proceeding yesterday, Rusnah raised her concern surrounding the Timah branding and likened consuming the whiskey to “drinking Malay women”.
She argued that the name Timah is confusing for the Muslim community while questioning the whiskey maker’s decision to use a picture of Captain Speedy in a kopiah – traditionally worn by Muslims – on its label.
“Don’t they have other photos of Captain Speedy, perhaps in a hat? Also, can’t we rename the drink to something like The Mines?
“Another point I want to make is that this (name) is not good for women, because Timah can be imagined as a Malay woman. We have Kak Timah, Mak Timah, Mak Cik Timah.
“So, when we consume the whiskey, it’s as though we are drinking Malay women.”
Her speech in Parliament has since made the rounds on social media, with many ridiculing her for making such a statement.
Netizens were quick to troll the MP, with some asking if consuming food like the Ramly burger and Daim chocolate is also similar to eating a man by the same name.
Timah gained national traction after winning multiple international awards last year before it was officially launched on October 7.
Since then, various quarters have slammed the drink maker over its name, saying it is confusing to the Muslims as it bears the short form of the Malay name “Fatimah”.
Some also chastised the branding as insulting, as it resembles that of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Saidatina Fatimah az-Zahrah.
The whiskey maker has clarified that the name Timah actually means “tin”, which harkens to the tin mining era during British colonial times, but has since agreed to a rebrand. – The Vibes, October 29, 2021
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