Discard prejudices to enforce unity, Syahredzan urges elected reps

 

Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan has urged elected leaders and representatives to do away with their prejudices and stop furthering problematic stereotypes if they want to see racial unity, tolerance and acceptance.

"An expression may be meant as a 'joke', but we must be mindful that words and expressions have meanings.

"The meaning may differ depending on the history of a particular community," the DAP leader said in a tweet today.

Although Syahredzan (above) did not mention names, he was believed to be referring to PKR's incumbent Kota Anggerik assemblyperson Mohd Najwan Halimi's racist remark against Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and one of its candidates.

Najwan had commented “Indian estate party” in response to news of PSM’s announcement that the party is fielding social activist Sivaranjani Manickam in Meru for the election. A screenshot of the remark, made in a PKR WhatsApp group, was circulated on social media yesterday.

He has since apologised for the "ignorant" comment.

Lead by example

Elaborating, Syahredzan said that something that may be considered "harmless" to one may be construed otherwise by others.

"What we say in jest may actually reinforce years of marginalisation and discrimination to a particular community.

"Understanding this is the first step to acceptance. As leaders, we must lead by example if we want to truly unite our society," Syahredzan concluded his tweet, stressing it as a reminder to himself and his colleagues in politics.

Meanwhile, PKR leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad also posted a short tweet, believed on the same issue.

The national resources, energy, and climate change minister said: "As we accuse the opposition of playing up 3R (race, religion, royalty) sentiments, we better not fall into the same trap.

"The leadership must display the spirit of Malaysia Madani," he said.