Cabinet orders probe on alleged racist remarks by BTN official

PUTRAJAYA - The Chief Secretary to the Government has been instructed by the Cabinet to investigate the alleged racist remarks made by a National Civics Bureau (BTN) deputy director, according to Human Resources Minister Dr S. Subramaniam.

Subramanian, also MIC vice-president, said the Cabinet has expressed disappointment over Hamim Husain for the remarks he made at a Puteri Umno function on Monday.

Ministers present during the meeting were upset to hear of the allegations, which was carried in an online news portal report, and the Cabinet wanted a full investigation, Subramaniam told reporters on Wednesday.

"All we have now is a report on an online portal, claiming the deputy director made racist remarks.

"This is not enough to take action against the person involved. Chief Secretary to the Government Sidek Hassan has been directed to investigate the allegations first, before any action can be taken," Subramaniam was quoted in The Star report.

Hamim reportedly made the racists remarks, calling Chinese as 'si mata sepet' and Indian as "si botol" at the Puteri Umno function on Monday when he urged the members to co-operate with the non-Malays to support Barisan Nasional in the upcoming election.

Hanim was quoted as saying in the Malaysian Insider report published on Monday: "The ‘si mata sepet’ that has never gone to a mosque or surau only has one vote. The ‘si botol’ that only knows how to go up to Batu Caves up and down only has one vote."

The derogatory terms used on the non-Malays had caused widespread public condemnation against him as well as BTN. DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang has challenged the Cabinet to dissolve the body in his blog posting on Tuesday.

MCA had also urged the Government to take action against Hamim on Tuesday. Its president Dr Chua Soi Lek said the BTN official did not understand the concept of democracy when he proclaimed Malay rights as a mandate to rule the country.

Chua has suggested that Hamim be sent for counselling and retraining, saying he is no longer fit to hold his position, The Star reported.

MCA publicity bureau deputy chairman Loh Seng Kok claimed in a statement on Tuesday that Hamim should be charged under the Sedition Act and said the MCA wanted the government to review the BTN course. - Malaysian Mirror