Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

IT appears the sky’s the limit when it comes to politicians insulting the intelligence of ordinary people, the electorate who voted them into power.

Certain elected reps have no qualms about using horse manure to justify untenable statements they make in and outside Parliament or state assembly, especially after they realise they have painted themselves into a corner.

Hence, as an escape route, they resort to the familiar mantra of “I’ve been misquoted”, “taken out of context”, “I have been misunderstood”, among other things. 

To take a recent example, in the incident involving slanging matches between Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and his critics over the controversial demolition of Hindu temples in the state and his consequent racist slur, he insisted his statement was “twisted”.

Although in most cases, such insult occurs amid arguments among elected politicians, what transpired, nonetheless, becomes public consumption, especially if they are reported by the media. Moreover, they are supposed to be answerable to the electorate.

When this happens, the politicians concerned not only do an injustice to the people, but also a disservice to themselves, the so-called Yang Berhormat, as it usually says a lot about their character and degree of intelligence they have.

Besides, it is the earnest hope of many people their representatives have at least a respectable degree of intelligence to enable them to carry out their responsibilities effectively as well as engaging in civilised debates that do not incur imbecility, especially in an era where many ordinary folk are well educated and more discerning.

It is obviously insulting enough for these politicians to adopt a patronising attitude towards the public.

When heavily criticised over his recent racist slur against Indian politicians who were characterised as “drunk on the toddy of popularity”, the Kedah menteri besar argued he was merely using Malay kiasan (metaphors) and bidalan (proverbs).

He even told his critics to enrol in Bahasa Melayu classes, insinuating they are unable to appreciate the nuances of the language.

To make his point, he gave an example of “mabuk cinta” (drunk with love), which he said does not literally mean that one is drunk and in love. That’s fine.

But it became problematic when he used the phrase “mabuk todi populariti” (drunk on the toddy of popularity) because we know the hidden meaning between the lines is alcohol (toddy) drinking that is erroneously associated with the Indians.

To be clear, connotations are often made explicit by their social context.

There are other politicians who are equally insulting.

Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin, for instance, made an obscene hand gesture in 2008 aimed at some fellow MPs.

He admitted doing it, but argued it was not what it meant, and hence, should not be considered rude. 

Incidentally, the recent alleged flashing of the third finger by a deputy minister is not the first case involving an obscene hand gesture in Parliament. There’s precedent. 

In another instance no less insulting, Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim interrupted when a female MP of ethnic Indian origin was speaking, saying he couldn’t see her as she was too dark to be seen.

In his defence, Azeez said he himself was dark too, and hence, racism was not an issue – before he eventually retracted his remarks.

We don’t need to go into how certain politicians justified themselves when caught violating Covid-19 standard operating procedures. It’s too revolting to be repeated here.

It’s time our politicians respect the people who voted them into power in the first place. Their arrogance is simply annoying. – December 9, 2020.