A Kadir Jasin must get his facts right before commenting on a particular issue, according to Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy.
He said as Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's media and communication advisor, the veteran newsman must be more responsible and set a higher standard, especially when criticising the police.
“I agree that the police should do their job in a colour blind manner and detain all troublemakers. But the criticism towards them must be fair.
“An investigation must be carried out before arrests can be made. You cannot expect them to rush in and shoot people. Kadir should know this,” he told Malaysiakini.
Ramasamy was responding to Kadir's blog posting this morning, in which the latter questioned the reason for the police not arresting any Indian Malaysians over the riots related to the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya earlier this week and the attack on Fire and Rescue Department personnel Muhammad Adib Muhammad Kassim.
“I am sorry to say, it is a bit difficult to understand how so many police personnel with state of the art equipment... did not see even one among the many Indian people who were there not committing any wrongdoings. It couldn't have been so dark (gelap) when so many vehicles were burned?
“So if it is true that police in the 21st century cannot see rioters because it was dark, I suggest the Home Ministry to request an allocation from the Finance Ministry to purchase torchlights for police personnel,” read his posting.
Ramasamy said he could not understand Kadir's motive for mentioning the word “gelap” twice.
“Is he suggesting that the police have difficulty in identifying the Indians who rioted because of their dark complexion?” he asked.
Ramasamy urged Kadir to heed Mahathir's advice today that freedom of speech does not mean a person can make provocative statements and not to exacerbate the situation.
Earlier, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told Parliament that 30 individuals have been detained over the unrest. This included 24 Malays, three Indians, two Indian Muslims and one Chinese.
He added that five others arrested yesterday would be remanded to facilitate investigations.
Meanwhile, Ramasamy also commented on Kadir's criticism of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department P Waythamoorthy.
“Kadir can criticise Waythamoorthy on whether he responded effectively to the unrest or otherwise. But to tell him he is just a senator and not elected by the people is hitting below the belt,” he added.
Kadir had cautioned Waythamoothy against being too comfortable in his post and claimed that his actions did not augur well for unity and national integration. -Mkini
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