MALAY neo-Nazi punk bands have denied claims that they are racist and their music is xenophobic.
A band member, who wanted to be known only as Ozy Gandum, told The Malaysian Insight that the frequently used “Malay power” slogan is just a gimmick and should not be a reason to label followers of the scene as racists.
“We are not racists, as what we have been accused of being. Many people who aren’t neo-Nazis are clear-cut racists.
“Though they don’t wear the swastika, they are the real racists. For example, a mosque-going elderly man who hates the Chinese… he is not a neo-Nazi, but he is a racist,” said Ozy Gandum, whose band was one of 10 that had been slated to perform at a festival in Ipoh next month.
The event was supposed to feature Black Fire, S.K.I.N.S, Purnamwulan, Xenophobia, Spider War, Total Distrust, Agasthor, Boot Axe, 13 Krieg and S.T.F.O.
It was reported that another four such neo-Nazi bands were also due to perform at Kuala Lumpur’s Publika shopping mall next month.
Both shows have been cancelled, following protests and a report lodged.
Neo-Nazi music is sometimes called “hatecore” due to the violent lyrics of its songs.
Ozy Gandum, however, said the Malay neo-Nazi subculture is “about having fun” and merely rides on existing sentiments towards other races.
“The anti-immigrant, anti-Chinese and anti-Indian thing is nothing new. It has been said for years, but nowadays, we are blamed.
“In Malaysia, neo-Nazis are just out to have fun through music. Nothing more than that.”
He said songs by bands in the scene are nationalist in nature and do not take aim at other races.
“Do not think that we do not know the reality. We live in a multicultural society. I have people of other races as my neighbours. Never have I heard of neo-Nazis going out to beat their fellow countrymen.
“The term ‘Malay power’ is just to highlight Malay brotherhood and the spirit of helping each other out.”
He called on the public and authorities not to fear neo-Nazis, saying they are “just a small community that plays music”.
‘Dumb’ Malay neo-Nazis
However, a follower of the skinhead subculture, who lodged a report that led to the cancellation of the shows in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur, insisted that neo-Nazis are dangerous.
The 25-year-old, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said most people mistake skinheads for neo-Nazis due to their similar dress sense.
He said skinheads do not wear logos like the Nazi swastika, and are a people of peace despite their “aggressive” image.
“We look different because we shave our heads, we wear boots or Adidas sneakers… we look a little bit different from the rest.
“However, we are just normal. We have families, we have jobs, some of us are university students.”
He said it is his duty to spread the message that neo-Nazis have no place in Malaysia.
“I hate the neo-Nazis. They are racist and anti-immigrant. They hate other races, just like how German Nazi soldiers were in those days.
“They have no place in Malaysia. They should not exist here because we live in a multicultural, multireligious society.”
It is ironic that Malay neo-Nazis exist as the Nazis were European whites opposed to people of colour, he said.
“But here, we have Malays, dark-skinned people, fighting for Malay power.
“The Nazis abroad would never consider Malay neo-Nazis as part of their group because they hate people of colour. Malay neo-Nazis are just too dumb to see this.”
Such Malays “carry racist messages wherever they go”, he added.
THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.