KUALA LUMPUR – Anyone who makes a racist remark, and directs it at another person, is considered “biadab” (insolent), especially in a diverse country such as Malaysia.
This is the sentiment that National Sports Council disciplinary board chairman Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin shared when a racist slur on national shuttler S. Kisona came to light.
“I wouldn’t know what to say to something like that. It is biadab! We cannot tolerate such a statement made by ‘that man’,” he said during his exclusive interview with The Vibes.
“Kisona played with the Malaysian flag on her jersey, she went all out and fought. Don’t you think before making such a statement? Are you that ignorant?”
He said the racist slur made by former Pasir Puteh Bersatu deputy chief Borhan Che Rahim is humiliating and embarrassing, especially when it comes from an influential politician and a respected member of society – one who is supposed to be dedicating his life to the betterment of the community, and not propagating its moral decline.
He added that Malaysians witnessed how Kisona was trying her level best to make her country proud.
Competing in an international tournament, such as the 2021 Sudirman Cup, can be a daunting prospect for anyone, especially for a 23-year-old, who finds herself in a foreign land without the comfort of her family, he said.
“And in every sporting tournament, there are winners and losers.”
“Above all, none of us should have that kind of thinking, especially a politician. It shouldn’t be in our minds to differentiate based on race. It’s just not acceptable in this country, or any other for that matter,” said Megat, who is also the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) vice-president.
He added that every Malaysian is free to play any sport they wish and be able to represent the country in that chosen sport.
“I completely disagree if he thinks sports belong to one race. To me, no sport is represented by race.
“It can be you, and it can be anyone. Take Pandelela Rinong for example, she’s from Sarawak and she has made us proud. When she dives, she dives for Malaysia and not solely for the Ibans.
“The Sidek brothers made us proud in 1992 when they won the Thomas Cup (after defeating Indonesia).
“Even then, we had Cheah Soon Kit and Foo Kok Keong on the team, and their combined efforts helped put Malaysia on the badminton world map.”
He said undoubtedly, as a national athlete, one is no stranger to high expectations and strong criticism.
“It is not something you can easily take for granted. If you are good, you are there. If you are not, then it’s not your time.”
Borhan’s Facebook post was taken down almost immediately, but not before it went viral.
Although Borhan later issued an apology and relinquished his position in Bersatu, his remarks did not go down well with many Malaysians.
“Sorry is just not enough. Just because he said it out of anger, does not mean it can be forgiven. We can’t practice this kind of behaviour. Some action should be taken,” said Megat.
“We don’t want this for our future generations. I don’t want this to happen to my son or grandson, or, for that matter, your grandchildren.
“I know how hard our Malaysian athletes fought, in the Sudirman Cup, and I can tell you that it was not for the prize money.
“There is not a single cent being paid for the winner, only for the cup.”
This issue irked Megat so much that he spoke passionately about the matter during the interview.
“I've been in sports for so many years. I was an athlete, referee, and team manager. I’ve also been secretary-general for the National Silat Federation for 20 years, of which I am now the president.
“I was previously a committee member of OCM, and now, I’m vice-president.
“Sports can bring people together, regardless of belief, race, gender, or faith.”
In the recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics, more than 32 million Malaysians were rooting for the national contingent with support being mostly on social media because of the lack of spectators due to restrictions brought about by the pandemic.
“One thing that makes us proud is sports. Despite being in a pandemic and experiencing an economic crisis, we all cheered for (Datuk) Azizulhasni Awang.
“All 32 million Malaysians were supporting Azizul and the badminton players. We stand together for our national athletes. That’s the strength of sports,” Megat said. – The Vibes, October 15, 2021
Additional reporting by T. Vignesh and Zaidatul Syreen Abdul Rashid
