AMID the government’s failures in recent controversies like the khat issue, U-turn on Lynas and litany of broken electoral promises, one piece of positive news stands out: M. Kula Segaran’s decision to speak up about controversial preacher Zakir Naik.
The human resources minister went against the mainstream stance in Putrajaya when he called out Zakir for belittling minority groups in the country.
In the current political ecosystem, where the overriding sentiments in Putrajaya appear to favour the majority race, Kula Segaran displayed admirable courage by standing up for minority communities. Credit must be given where credit is due!
Contrast this to the government’s fumbling in issues like the introduction of khat to Year Four pupils in vernacular schools next year, and the backpedalling over Lynas. Ironically, the party that has suffered the most in terms of public backlash is DAP, of which Kula Segaran is a member.
In school, we were taught to not just look at others’ mistakes, but also the positive things they have said or done. One must acknowledge that it must’ve been hard for Kula Segaran to speak up for what he believes in, with the knowledge that it would attract attacks from racists and bigots.
He followed up on his promise to bring up the matter in the cabinet, where the majority of its Muslim members appear to take a cautious stance on the televangelist, who is wanted by India. Hopefully, this will pressure the government to deport Zakir and rid the country of a divisive personality we can do without.
In the sea of fumbles by the Pakatan Harapan government, a minister who dares to speak up is a breath of fresh air. This is a lesson that PH leaders need to learn if they are serious about retaining Putrajaya come the 15th general election. – August 15, 2019.
* Harbinder Singh reads The Malaysian Insight.
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.
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Comments
Why do I believe that courage was not the motivation? Well, for one, and perhaps most importantly, what has Kula done ever since he became a Minister, to address Indira Gandhis plight? Granted, he was her lawyer. But that was when he was in the Opposition, being one of its vociferous member. However, it now appears he has washed his hands off.
What gives? It beggars believe that Kula was able to get more things done when he was in the Opposition, then he does as a senior member of the cabinet.
Does Kula speak up on justice for Teoh Beng Hock? Well, for that matter, do any of the DAP-PKR-Amanah cabinet ministers do?
Why the silence? I keep thinking of what Heath Ledgers Joker said to the gangsters in the movie in Dark Knight, ... what happened? Did your b___s drop off?, and I am tempted to aim this at Kula, and the rest of the PH politicians.
Again, it beggars believe. There are now four Indian cabinet Ministers in the PH govt. At the same time, there is a now WhatsApp video circulating, that compares these chaps to Samy Vellu. The clip makes the point that while the latter at least roared every now and then when he was Minister, these guys have become as quiet as mouses. After a year of observing their individual performances, I am incline to, albeit reluctantly, agree on that aspect of scrotal gumption.
So, is it courage??
Posted 6 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply