Despite calls urging certain quarters not to react to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's use of the term 'pariah', a Gerakan leader insists that the word is derogatory and demeaning to the Indian community.
Gerakan vice-president Baljit Singh said no one, especially politicians, should utter the term in a multiracial setting without facing the consequences of their actions.
"The term is historically damaging to a certain community, is offensive and insulting. Why would anyone use it knowing how others would react to it?
"Apart from being disrespectful, it shows the racist mindset of those who utter the word," he told Malaysiakini today.
Yesterday, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (photo) said the word 'pariah' should not be equated with the Indian caste system, and urged all quarters not to overreact.
Muhyiddin was commenting on a police report lodged by several Kapar PKR members against Mahathir for hurting the feelings of the Indian community by using the term.
On Monday, Mahathir said the Lynas rare earth plant in Pahang cannot be asked to cease its operations in Malaysia as it would affect future investments.
“If we treat Lynas like a pariah and ask them to leave this country, we won’t be able to get other people to come and invest,” he had said.
Baljit said those clamouring for the non-renewal of Lynas' operating permit are in no way giving the company the 'pariah' treatment.
The industry is" undesirable" as it produces harmful waste, and should not be allowed to further tarnish the land with its radioactive waste, Baljit said.
He added that it is a massive potential health risk for the people, not to mention the damage it will cause to the environment.
"Remember, Lynas was a big issue during the last national polls and Pakatan Harapan leaders were up in arms over the matter. Why the sudden U-turn?"
Baljit said Mahathir had used a very poor choice of word to make his point, and that he need not have employed such a "disgusting term."
Just because Westerners use the term to describe a certain situation, he added, it does not mean it can be used in this country without deliberation.
"Here, we have to consider the cultural sensitivities of others," he said.
"It is sad to see that as Malaysia comes to its 62nd Independence Day, such careless attitudes by our politicians continue to prosper.
"Apologise for it, Mahathir, and move on. But be careful and caring next time about how others feel. With your age and experience, you do not need others to tell you so." - Mkini
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