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[h=2]Another Malay MP criticises Seng Han Thong’s racist remarks. What about the Indian MPs?[/h]
Mr Zaqy posted comments on his facebook on Friday morning (Dec 23), saying that he was upset with Mr Seng’s racist comments as well. Mr Seng was caught on video in the talk show saying: “And I noticed that the PR (Public Relation) mentioned that some of the staff because they are Malay, they are Indian, they can’t converse in English good, well enough (sic).” Following was Mr Zaqy’s comment on facebook with regard to “MP SHT”: “I certainly agree that the comments were unwarranted and I was personally disappointed that Malay and Indian SMRT staff were singled out. Having read the transcript, I think he meant to paraphrase someone else and that the first postings online omitted that fact. Mr Zaqy’s comment came after the Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob rebuked Mr Seng on her facebook on Thu:However, I don’t think this changes the fact that it was said and that we should be more sensitive especially in public forums. As for motive, I think MP SHT has already made his explanation and apology, and I can understand if the Singaporeans are upset because I feel the same way about the comments too. We too, as politicians or public figures, need to improve our own communication skills, not just the SMRT staff, especially in sensing the ground and sensitivities with respect to beliefs and race. One item on my 2012 new year resolution.” “Several friends have raised their concerns over MP Seng Han Thong’s remarks. I am also disturbed by the remarks which are inappropriate and unfair even though he may be repeating what someone else said.” Even non-minority MP, Mr Baey Yam Keng, told the Straits Times that “there was no necessity to make reference to race in this case”. Last month, a former PAP youth wing member Jason Neo, made a racist facebook comment on a picture of a bus ferrying Malay kindergarten children. He later apologised and quit PAP. It’s unclear if Mr Seng will step down and quit the party too. Meanwhile, nothing was heard from the Indian MPs. A TRE reader, Saravanan S, in an open letter to the Indian MPs of Singapore, asked why none of the Indian MPs had stepped forward to say anything about Seng Han Thong’s insensitive remark: Open letter to the Indian MPs of Singapore It remains to be seen if any of the Indian MPs will make comments about Seng Han Thong’s regrettable comment.Excerpt: “Secondly, I am deeply disappointed that none of you came forward to offer any sort of condemnation of the MP’s remarks. Kudos to MP Halimah Yacob who came forward immediately to register her concerns. She has stood up for her community. How come none of the Indian MP’s ever stand up for ethnic Indians in Singapore? What are you doing in Parliament? Aren’t you also a representative of the Indian community here in Singapore? Seems like we have no one to defend or speak for us? Is it correct that Singapore Indians have no members of parliament to speak for them? Even the Malay MP has come out to register her views and publicly condemned MP Seng Han Thong. Sometimes the ordinary Indian on the street needs to know that there are people in govt who are there for the Indian community. Who will not shy away from protecting minority’s integrity & honour. Sadly none of you have done this. At least the Malay community has a single female to stand up for them! Lucky for them eh!” |
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