SIX shipping associations have slammed Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman Rais Hussin over his remarks against Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong on the cabotage issue.

In a joint statement today, the associations criticised Rais over his personal attack on Wee, which they deemed as inappropriate.

The statement was signed by Malaysia Shipowners’ Association (Masa), Ikhtisas Kelautan Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah Shipowners’ Association, Malaysia OSV Owners’ Association (Mosva), Association of Marine Industries of Malaysia (Amim) and the Sarawak Association of Marine Industries.

On Thursday, Rais referred to Wee as a “minister with an IQ of a cabbage” on his Twitter profile.

Rais, who has criticised the government’s decision to withdraw the cabotage exemption for foreign vessels carrying out undersea cable maintenance, also stated that Wee should not be discussing the issue.

Masa chairman Abdul Hak Md Amin said if what Rais stated is accurate, then he is a disgrace not just to his industry but also to his colleagues, and should be removed from his post.

“If it is true what he said as reported, Dr Rais, who holds the highest position in a prominent GLC (government-linked company), is a disgrace not only to his industry but his peers for uttering such words and should be removed, period!” he said.

“As professionals, we may differ in opinions, but we don’t go on personal attacks.

“Our YB Minister is the custodian of the cabotage policy and is well-versed with the objectives and the needs of the policy in the country.”

Hak said Malaysia is one of about 100 countries worldwide practising this policy and Masa stands solidly behind the minister in his firm action to ensure Malaysia’s sovereignty and security are safeguard by enforcing strictly the country’s cabotage policy.

Mosva president Safwan Othman also echoed Hak’s remarks and said it was totally condescending and unsolicited for a chairman of a GLC to make such disparaging remarks.

“It demonstrates blatant arrogance and contemptuous attitude by a person holding a top office,” he said.

“Mosva does not condone such public statements but encourages mutual respect, in the spirit of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’”.

Safwan said there must be a more amicable way to resolve issues.

“Any issue must be discussed in a proper and professional manner, without criticising any certain individual,” he said.

Amim president, Soo Jee Main said Rais’ comment is also because of the culture of derogatory remarks that has become so ingrained in society.

“Name-calling others with all sorts of ugly, unpleasant things; depicting one another as somebody with an IQ of cabbage, etc, appears to be an accepted part of our Malaysian culture dispensation,” he said.

“Maybe the public has enjoyed such circuses immensely, cheering and applauding. It has become a culture, and we, as a society, have promoted it and in a way, we have also accepted it.”

He said in effect, there is discriminatory behaviour in people deciding that the same verbal misconduct is all right if applied to one person but is uproariously unacceptable when applied to others.

“Yet, what we should be saying is no to any conduct (verbal or in writing) that deprives
anyone of their respect,” he said.

“Everyone, leaders, and others alike, should be able to fully optimise their rights to freely express themselves on any issue that affects them, including making analyses and assessments with the right facts and figures without undue recourse to provocative and demeaning language.” – October 3, 2021.