THERE have been numerous allegations that some ministers in the cabinet of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammed are infamous for their turnabout on policy matters.
Whether these allegations are true is unclear.
However, one incident in the recent past might indicate that there might be some substance to these allegations.
Following the incendiary and preposterous speech of the Islamic preacher and fugitive Zakir Naik in Kelantan on the invitation of PAS, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman was one of few ministers who called for the deportation of Zakir to India.
For Syed Saddiq, it was unthinkable for Zakir to question the loyalty of Malaysian Hindus and Chinese whom he considered to be “part of his large family” in Malaysia.
However, within a matter of few days and following a dinner with Zakir, Syed Saddiq, the youngest minister in the cabinet, has altered his stand.
He said since Zakir has apologised for his mistake, we should move on to other things that matter to Malaysians.
This turnaround by Syed Saddiq caught many Malaysians surprise. They are wondering how could a responsible minister change his stand as he likes.
If Zakir has genuinely apologised to the public, perhaps a case could be made for Syed Saddiq’s turnaround.
But the minister should know the facts behind the apology.
Zakir never apologised for his provocative speech in which he insulted and hurt the feelings of the Malaysian Hindus and Chinese, he merely apologised to those who misinterpreted the contents without comprehending the context.
So, Syed Saddiq, what kind of apology was this from Zakir?
Do you really believe that Zakir apologised and whether it was genuine?
It must be clear to Syed Saddiq and others, that Zakir came out with a fake or insincere apology to mitigate the fallout from his offensive and treasonous speech in Kelantan.
The prime minister has already decided that Zakir can stay in the country for now even though the police have yet to conclude their investigations.
In the final analysis, it doesn’t matter where Syed Saddiq stand on Zakir, but be consistent.
Stop the game of deception. – August 25, 2019.
* Ramasamy Palanisamy 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
Posted 6 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply
If at all possible, I wish to see Bersatu diminished, dwarfed and eventually removed from the Pakatan.
Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply
The PH sympathetic voters should boycott these racists in elections, better still, vote AGAINST them, starting with GE15 (getting rid one by one so as not to jeopardize PH) ...... starting with Langkawi (if he still be alive and wants to recontest) .... then Muar.
We have photographs as evidence of who they are.
Posted 6 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Sidney Karan · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Sidney Karan · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Kenneth Tan · Reply
They can be "otak kosong" and still get elected, only need to shout "demi bangsa dan agama" and the majority of Malaysians are fools to fall for and vote for this doctrine.
As a result, Malaysians are regressing to poverty and the doghouse (cf the UN report on poverty)
Posted 6 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
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