KUCHING: The racist comments made by Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should be condemned, said state PKR chairman Baru Bian.
Baru was referring to the statement made by Ismail Sabri on Feb 23, here, who asked if Malaysians want to keep the present government who can safeguard the rights of Bumiputeras or a Democratic Action Party (DAP)-led government that emphasises on equality of all races.
Ismail Sabri, who is an Umno minister, also said that the ruling government is taking good care of the Bumiputeras especially with policies protecting their rights and privileges but without hindering or limiting other races from becoming successful in the country.
“Or a government by others who will deny Bumiputera rights? Of the two options, I think we have no choice … if we want to maintain Bumiputera rights, we have to maintain the BN government,” Ismail Sabri added.
Baru, who is Ba Kelalan assemblyman, commented that the tone of Ismail Sabri’s remarks was shockingly racist and aimed at dividing the community along ethnic lines and to invoke fear and resentment amongst the races.
“This is incredibly irresponsible and immature of a minister and betrays the delusional supremacist mentality of this man. For Ismail Sabri to indulge in racist politicking, especially at a government event is a disgrace to the position he holds,” Baru said in a press statement yesterday.
Baru described Ismail Sabri as a classic example of the problem with BN leaders.
“When they have nothing of substance to offer to the people, they play on racial sentiment and fears.
“Malaysians and the global community are very aware of the weakness of BN that is in their lack of real and meaningful policies for the unity, growth and development of this country,” he added.
Baru claimed that Ismail Sabri and his BN cohorts were not concerned with the future of this country, and ‘their actions and words will quicken our fall into a failed state situation’.
“Sarawak and Sarawakians should reject these repugnant racists who are trying to poison us with their disgraceful and despicable brand of divisive politics,” Baru said.