Razman: 'Eyes like ours' remark not meant as insult, media twisted it

Razman: 'Eyes like ours' remark not meant as insult, media twisted it

Ili Aqilah, N Faizal Ghazali & Seth Akmal
Published: Oct 28, 2024 9:29 PM


Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria has claimed that he did not intend to insult any race with his comments about “eyes, skin, and blood like mine.”

In an interview with Malaysiakini, the Gunong Semanggol assemblyperson explained that he was referring to people with similar traits and claimed that the media had misinterpreted his words.

“I met with a non-Malay friend yesterday who told me that almost all Chinese newspapers wrote the story because of the ‘eyes’ remark, saying I insulted them.

“That’s the picture they try to paint. They are good at spinning (my words) when I don’t have the intention (to insult). Only Allah knows my intention,” he said.

The Perak opposition leader stressed that he was appealing for unity among all Malaysian Muslims and insisted he was not selecting anyone based on race.

“Why would anyone feel insulted? I was referring to people with the same eyes, skin, and blood as mine, encouraging unity,” he added.

The controversy began with a China flag-waving incident during the Guan Gong cultural festival in Teluk Intan, Perak, which led PAS to call on the police to investigate.

The Guan Gong Cultural Association, which organised the festival, had apologised and clarified that the individuals waving the flags were Chinese nationals.

The organiser also pointed out that the Jalur Gemilang and Perak flag were present at the event as well and were leading the procession.


Angered by the incident, Razman attended a rally at the same venue the following day, where he appealed for unity among those sharing similar physical characteristics.

Razman added that a message must be sent to “friends” who supported those who waved the China flags.

He also criticised the government, urging them to protect the nation’s sovereignty.

‘Conquering’ M’sia perception

Expanding on his point, Razman drew a parallel between the flag-waving incident and displaying a flag to celebrate a victory.

“Let's say we hike Mount Everest or trek through the Antarctic; we will raise the flag at the peak.

“But this (in Teluk Intan) is an open place involving the public who can’t differentiate between Malaysian Chinese and China migrants (pendatang) waving the flags.

“If they are marching like they are in a sports (contingent), they will carry at least one flag. But the way they were waving the flag was as if (they were saying) we have successfully (conquered) Malaysia,” he elaborated.


Razman, therefore, urged the authorities to take action.

“I am not blaming anyone. (At first) They said the gathering had no permit, and then they claimed it did but had broken the law.

“What is this? What is the truth?” he questioned.

He added that he would fully cooperate if summoned for a statement.

“The police are doing their duty. They are investigating, and InsyaAllah, I will give my statement,” he said.