Media statement by Teresa Kok Suh Sim in Shah Alam on Tuesday, 31^st August 2010:

Hishamuddin's sinks to new low of hypocrisy by calling that Teo Nie Ching "dirty"

Home Minister and UMNO vice-president Hishamuddin Hussein truly sank to a new low when he called Teo Nie Ching "dirty" and likened her presence in the surau to a "disaster". (Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/141518).

I question where Hishamuddin received the knowledge and moral authority to judge anyone to be dirty, least of all Teo Nie Ching who entered the surau in sincerity and with an open heart, and only because the surau leaders invited her in. She has already issued a humble public apology to all concerned.

I shudder to think if Hishamuddin considers Teo Nie Ching dirty because she is non-Muslim or simply because she is female.

Hishamuddin should look in the mirror to check if he himself is spotless and clean before judgment on others.

Hishamuddin's statement smacks of a holier-than-thou hypocrisy and is truly shameful for a cabinet minister who propogates this 1Malaysia concept which supposedly espouses unity among all Malaysians.

With that disparaging statement, Hishamuddin is once again fanning the flames of racial discontent like how he openly supported the Shah Alam cow head protestors last September. He backtracked later only upon public uproar.

Hishamuddin must immediately retract his statement and publicly apologise to Teo Nie Ching or he and 1Malaysia will forever have no credibility in the eyes of the public.

* Teresa Kok Suh Sim, Selangor State Senior EXCO for Investment, Industry & Trade & MP for Seputeh