MP who said drinking Timah whisky is akin to 'drinking Malay women' apologises

Alfian Z.M. Tahir Alfian Z.M. Tahir Updated 2 years ago · Published on 29 Oct 2021 9:57PM · 7 Comments

Tangga Batu MP Rusnah Aluai says it's never her intention to offend anyone. – Facebook pic, October 29, 2021.

TANGGA Batu MP Rusnah Aluai, who likened those who consumed Timah whisky to “drinking Malay women”, has apologised, saying it was never her intention to offend anyone.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) lawmaker took to Facebook today to explain that all she wanted to do was to avoid confusion over the name of the Malaysian award-winning whisky.

“I am aware of the response on the Internet over my remark the other day when I touched on the Timah whisky issue.

“My real intention was to make sure that no one was confused and the meaning of my statement was misunderstood.

“For those who are offended by what I said, I offer my apologies,” she said.

Rusnah said in the Dewan Rakyat while debating the Trade Descriptions Act that the name was extremely confusing and insulting as Timah was a name associated with a Malay woman, like “Kak Timah” or “Makcik Timah”.

“So when we drink the whisky, it gives the impression that we are ‘drinking’ a Malay woman,” she was quoted as saying.

Rusnah also insisted that the headgear worn by Captain Speedy on the label of the bottle looked too much like a kopiah or Muslim skullcap.

He should have worn a hat instead, the Pakatan Harapan lawmaker said.

A recording of Rusnah’s debate was widely circulated on social media with netizens poking fun at her.
 
The whisky has been in the market for a while now and has gained international recognition with global awards last year and this year.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said yesterday the company, Winepark Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd, has asked for a week to discuss with its shareholders and board of directors on a change to the name and image on the label.

There is a clear explanation on the company’s website that Timah means “tin” and is a reference to the tin-mining days in Perak under British Malaya, when Captain Speedy – the whisky’s mascot and image on its label – was assistant resident of Larut in the 1800s.

However, some still felt that the label’s image of Captain Speedy, who is wearing an Ethiopian skullcap and sporting a long beard, bears much resemblance to a Muslim man. – October 29, 2021.

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Comments

  • You make it sound as if Muslims are unable to differentiate alcohol drinks by mere branding and pictures. Cheap, downright ignorant and very awkward publicity (remarks) on your part.

    Posted 2 years ago by Bartok D · Reply

  • Stupid woman

    Posted 2 years ago by Thomas Samuel · Reply

  • There are lot of outstanding non payments of maintenance to the single mothers with children that outstanding for years.

    If all these idiot MPs know their priority, they should fight this issue rather that TIMAH which hardly any kampung folks can afford if they were to drink anyway.

    I guess that the reasons smart Malaysians do not want to participate in politics because they will be bogged down the sensational issues that not relevant to the rest of the ordinary Malaysians.

    Posted 2 years ago by DENGKI KE? · Reply

  • There are lot of outstanding non payments of maintenance to the single mothers with children that outstanding for years.

    If all these idiot MPs know their priority, they should fight this issue rather that TIMAH which hardly any kampung folks can afford if they were to drink anyway.

    I guess that the reasons smart Malaysians do not want to participate in politics because they will be bogged down the sensational issues that not relevant to the rest of the ordinary Malaysians.

    Posted 2 years ago by DENGKI KE? · Reply

  • Unfortunately what is said cannot be taken back. What has been demonstrated is you can send someone to the best school but if they have no principles, they are of no value as a leader to the country. Just pure lallang.

    Posted 2 years ago by Loyal Malaysian · Reply

  • So, she was either misunderstood, misquoted or what she said was taken out of context? What the hell, PKR? Can you please do a better job vetting your candidates? This is downright shameful.

    Posted 2 years ago by Yoon Kok · Reply