I did not mean to insult, says Razlan on RIP tweet

After netizens poured scorn over his remarks on the death of Balakang assemblyperson Eddie Ng Tien Chee, former Federal Territories Umno chief Razlan Rafii said he never meant to insult.

“Actually, I delivered my (condolences) wish just like other people would. I had no intention to insult him. I also hope he rests in peace.

“I did not mean to insult him after his death. But what about what he said while he was still alive with his accusations against (former prime minister) Najib Abdul Razak and other Umno members of being thieves and all, even though there is no truth in those words?

“Then I wished for him to rest in peace,” Razlan said when contacted by Malaysiakini today.

Earlier today, he tweeted about Ng’s death with this message, “A person who likes to slander and possesses a ‘vile heart’ (hatibusuk) towards Malaysians is dead. One less person who slanders! Malaysia is peaceful! RIP”.

Razlan, who is now the Seputeh Umno vice-chief added that his tweet was his personal opinion and does not reflect his party's stand.

When asked whether he would delete the tweet, he again insisted he did not mean to insult the deceased and compared this incident to former Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi’s remarks on the death of Haron Din.

In 2016, when former PAS spiritual adviser Haron passed away, Ooi had tweeted, “Adios Haron Din. Let there be peace”.

“We have to remember, DAP has never respected others. (For example), Ooi insulted Haron when he passed away.

“He said he didn’t insult but from his remarks, people knew what his opinion was.

“(At that time) DAP leaders did not criticise Ooi. I did not say 'adios' like Ooi. I said RIP and wished for him to rest in peace even though we know he did all sorts of things to Umno members and accused us of being thieves, but I said RIP,” Razlan said. - Mkini