Man apologises over racial slur, deputy minister urges forgiveness

Pasir Puteh Bersatu vice-chief Borhanudin Che Rahim has apologised for using a racial slur to refer to national shutter S Kisona.

Deputy National Unity Minister Ti Lian Ker (above), who shared the letter of apology, urged forgiveness if the man was sincere.

In the letter, Borhanudin admitted that he had erred when he commented about Kisona on Facebook.

"I hereby retract my statement and apologise openly to all Malaysians, particularly those who have been affected by the posting.

"I did not intend to talk down any people or race. I will improve on my attitude in future," he said in the letter.

In the letter, Borhanudin also offered to resign as the Pasir Puteh Bersatu vice-chief in order to preserve the party's good name.

National singles badminton player S Kisona

People reject racism

Ti said the strong reaction against Borhanudin's comment showed that people rejected racism.

"If his statement is genuine and sincere, let us in the spirit of the Malaysian Family forgive Borhan for his mistake, which has been mitigated with the removal of the post.

"Let us cultivate unity and camaraderie in the Malaysian Family. Reject racial prejudice," he said.

Borhanudin had posted on Facebook under the name "Borhan Che Rahim" questioning where did the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) recruit Kisona from.

Kisona had represented Malaysia in the Sudirman Cup 2021 tournament in Vantaa, Finland, and made it to the semi-finals where she was defeated by Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung. 

Borhanudin also used the K-word, deemed derogatory to Indians, to refer to Kisona. She is the national women's singles badminton player.

The statement also courted condemnations from the BAM and also from Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu. 

 - Mkini