We can move on but Tajuddin must offer sincere apology, says Rayer

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer says Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s retraction of his statement was insincere.

PETALING JAYA: Jelutong MP RSN Rayer today said one could not move on from the insult hurled at Hindus by a Barisan Nasional MP until the latter offers a “sincere, remorseful and honest“ apology to the community.

This is despite P Waytha Moorthy, the minister in charge of national unity and social well-being, urging all parties to accept Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s apology and move on.

But Rayer claimed that Tajuddin’s retraction was insincere.

“When he withdrew the remark, was he remorseful?” the DAP politician asked, referring to Tajuddin’s comment in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday linking the holy ash worn by him to the ashes of former Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng.

Rayer said the way the Pasir Salak MP asked the question, “Are those ashes the ashes of Chin Peng?”, he had insulted the Hindus, not once but “three, four times”.

“It was a joke for him,” he said, adding that while he had no problem with people mocking him, he drew the line at religious insults.

Rayer also said he was disappointed with Waytha for asking all parties to move on.

“I am prepared to move on, but Tajuddin must tender an open and sincere apology to all Hindus and promise not to repeat any insults,” he said.

Meanwhile, several members of the Penang DAP Socialist Youth and NGOs lodged a total of 10 police reports against Tajuddin in Butterworth.

DAP assemblyman Satees Muniandy said Tajuddin should be be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948.

He said the speaker of the Parliament, who suspended Tajuddin for two days, had let him get away “scot-free” over his remarks. - FMT