Ramasamy wants Saravanan to come clean if he truly expresses gratitude to Anwar for apologising to Indians

Ramasamy wants Saravanan to come clean if he truly expresses gratitude to Anwar for apologising to Indians

Letter to editor


IS THERE any accuracy to the New Straits Times (NST, Dec 23) report that MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for apologising on the use of the derogatory word “Keling”?

Apparently, Anwar used the derogatory word by reference to the Malay historical text Hinayat Hang Tuah in his dialogue with students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Tanjung Malim on Thursday (Dec 21).

However, other media reports merely said that Saravanan accepted the apology by Anwar but at the same warning others not to use it.

Perhaps given such contradiction in media reports, it is best that Saravanan comes forward to explain exactly what he said in reference to Anwar’s insensitive use of the derogatory word.

Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy

If not, the Tapah MP might be criticised for expressing gratitude when there was no need to do so.

What is there to express gratitude to Anwar when he had subliminally hurt and offended the Indian community.

Saravanan should have contextualised Anwar’s recent offensive remark in relation to other offensive remarks or actions against the community over the last one year or so.

So, let us give Saravanan the benefit of doubt. – Dec 25, 2023



Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy*
Penang

* Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the Urimai (United Rights of Malaysian Party) Interim Council.