THE Timah controversy has brought into focus the racial tolerance level under the Perikatan Nasional government, said Ramkarpal Singh, with it signalling things to come under the current administration.

The Bukit Gelugor MP said the government should have educated those who are misinformed, but instead, it contributed to making an issue out of a non-issue.

“One has to wonder if PAS has anything to offer when it comes to current matters affecting the country,” he said in a statement today.

“I fail to see how the brand Timah can cause confusion or touch on religious sensitivities, as it has been explained that it is related to tin mining in Perak. And the person depicted on the label is of a British officer during the colonial rule in Malaya.

“A name change may lead to some believing that there is truth in the rhetoric of those opposing the brand, which defies common sense.”

He also said there is no need to go into the legality of the brand as no law has been breached.

However, Religious Affairs Minister Idris Ahmad from PAS is adamant that the local alcoholic beverage company immediately change its Timah brand name.

In recent weeks, PAS supporters had on social media accused non-Muslims of deliberately confusing Muslims as “Timah” sounds like the short-form for “Fatimah”, the name of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter.

Some said the brand’s label also closely resembles a Muslim man because of his long beard and skullcap.

Winepark Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd has agreed to change the name of its product following a meeting with government officials.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had yesterday said the cabinet has agreed to ban any brand name that causes racial and religious offences.

“No one will deny that acts that cause unrest, especially in the context of race and religion, ought to be dealt with seriously,” said Ramkarpal.

“But the handling of the Timah controversy by the government raises serious questions as to the competency of the government in doing so.” – October 31, 2021.