At a time when not only UMNO Ministers but also pro-BN and pro-UMNO supporters, can act with impunity in making false, seditious and hate speeches against Malaysians from minority groups, it is refreshing and commendable of UMNO Minister for International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad to apologise for making a wrong analogy that was deemed sexist and insensitive to women.
Malaysians were disappointed that the Attorney-General’s Chambers(AGC) has decided that no action will be taken against the Taman Medan church protesters who were against a church with the sign of a cross. On April 19 this year, some 50 protesters gathered outside a church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, demanding that its cross be removed from a high vantage point as it was considered disturbing to Muslims.
At least five of the protesters were Umno members, according to Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor. Among them were Abdullah Abu Bakar, the brother of inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, as well as former Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno Wanita chief Munaliza Hamzah. Previously, the AG’s Chambers refused to charge Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali for an alleged threat to burn the Bible.
The tardy action of the AGC in charging those aligned with the ruling government for actions against minority Malaysians but yet take immediate action against opposition leaders for criticising BN government leaders can only be described as double-standards and selective prosecution. Another case involving Baling Wanita Umno Chief and ex-deputy Minister Mashitah Ibrahim who made a false and dangerous claim that the Chinese in Kedah burnt a copy of the Quran, is still hanging in the air.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the police investigation findings had already been referred to the Attorney-General (AG) on February 5. 10 months later there is no response from the AGC, which remained inert and inactive – what type of professional performance is this? Mashitah had alleged on November 26 last year that a Chinese person had burned a copy of the Quran in Kedah when this was done by a mentally ill Malay Muslim.
For this reason, Mustapa Mohamad’s humble apology for likening the new ministry building to an “inexperienced virgin”, has only shown not only his good character and a willingness to admit to mistakes. Contrast Mustapa with the misbehavior of Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who refused to account for his actions in a dinner where turtle egg was served.
Instead of apologising when photographs showed Ismail eating from a plate containing turtle eggs, Ismail said he will take legal action against those circulating the pictures. Such actions by Ismail can be construed as disrespect to Sabah because those guilty of harvesting, selling or consuming turtle eggs in Sabah can be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for five years or both. The Sabah government is still investigating the matter.
No wonder the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) was upset that Ismail continued to try to deflect blame to the organisers. The MNS considered it unacceptable that Ismail at no point expressed regret or outrage that turtle eggs were served, or support for conservation laws protecting endangered species, such as turtles.
Ismail should take lessons of right and wrong from Mustapa. After all to err is human, to forgive divine.