Malaysia ― Racial harmony is more than just words, and it’s not just about eating each other’s traditional food during festive seasons.
Malaysia is known for being multiracial with an abundance of good food and numerous public holidays. These are just a few words to describe the country that boasts racial harmony among other good things.
Despite all this, Malaysia still has issues pertaining to race, and this is evident recently in the Malaysian sports scene.
National shuttler Kisona Selvaduray received racial slurs following her elimination from Sudirman Cup in Finland over the weekend.
Following her elimination from the well-coveted tournament, Facebook user, Borhan Che Rahim posted a derogative post that read, “BAM picked up an Indian (k****g) from which estate as the main player for the Malaysian contingent.”
Borhan Che Rahim is the Bersatu divisional leader, and he suffered backlash after his post. He then deleted his post, apologised to Malaysians, and subsequently resigned from his position at the Pasir Puteh branch of the BERSATU political party.
Malaysian comedian, Harith Iskander caught wind of Borhan Che Rahim’s insensitive post, and he took to Instagram to say something on the matter, reported Hype.my.
“I am posting this because I am enraged not just at the racism but also at the pure stupidity – it’s one thing being secretly racist amongst your other racist friends… but to post it on social media just to reflect on the complete lack of awareness which, to be honest, is just as scary.”
View this post on Instagram
Adding on, he said, “Yes, the individual has “apologised” and resigned from his position in a political party which is the right thing to do but this needs to be another message to all of us that we need to step up and realise that as a nation we still have a lot to work on in terms of race relations and kindness.”
Acknowledging the post, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) issued a statement over the disappointment felt towards the post.
The organisation said, “BAM is utterly appalled by the racist remarks made towards our national women’s singles player, S.Kisona.
As the governing body of the sport in the country, BAM has zero-tolerance for any form of racism or discrimination thus we absolutely condemn the remarks, and we will always stand up for our players.
Such a dreadful remark is uncalled for, and we urge all Malaysians to condemn this senseless act. We will continue to uphold all initiatives that support progressive and inclusive nation-building.”
BAM CONDEMNS RACISM IN SPORT
BAM is utterly appalled by the racist remarks made towards our national women’s singles player, S Kisona. pic.twitter.com/jWJ8BLCCLg
— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) October 3, 2021
/TISG