IRONY. You want to know the exact meaning of this word?
Here goes: 24 hours ago, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin called on Asean countries to legislate against online hate speech, including threats based on race, gender and sexual orientation.
But over the last two days, we have seen Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor cancel the Thaipusam holiday in his state. He has also used derogatory remarks against Indians since last year.
And, Muhyiddin’s government is considering amending the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act to enable heavier penalties for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group.
The irony is that Muhyiddin has yet to reprimand Sanusi, or tell Deputy Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary not to be overzealous.
The statements by both politicians are tantamount to hate speech, and can act as instigation against minority communities.
If Muhyiddin is looking at setting a progressive image, he has to start with domestic politics. Unless he is being crafty, of course.
But more importantly, let’s look at the country: we have huge numbers of new Covid-19 cases every day, a government that seems to have lost the post, a healthcare system that’s on the verge of breaking, front-line workers who are overwhelmed to the point of burnout, political leaders who break SOPs and get away without facing the consequences, job losses, hunger and poverty, floods in the east coast, a tanking economy, and much more.
And yet, we channel precious time and resources towards bullying, and relentlessly going after vulnerable people and minorities?
I am actually tired of saying this repeatedly, but Muhyiddin really has to buck up.
The prime minister must start acting like he is one and do his job without fearing the loss of allies, and with it, much-needed support.
As it is, his government has lost the legitimacy to govern, if not for the emergency that’s keeping Perikatan Nasional going.
So, while you are still at it, Mr Prime Minister, please look into creating jobs, channelling funds to the Health Ministry, ensuring food aid reaches targeted communities, following up to ensure government aid reaches workers and are not abused by employers, and ensuring people have access to mental health counselling.
And if you meant everything you said at the Asean meet, please do tell Sanusi and Marzuki off. – The Vibes, January 22, 2021
Charles Santiago is Klang MP
