Recently, firebrand RSN Rayer found himself in hot soup over his “UMNO Celaka” remark during Tuesday’s Penang State Assembly. The assemblyman also repeated a similar thing at a ceramah for the Bukit Gelugor by-election
Just as the majority of Malaysians were praising DAP’s bravery for fielding Dyana in Teluk Intan, RSN Rayer utters a statement that amounted to pouring cold water on DAP’s efforts. Instead of all the positives about Dyana and Teluk Intan, Malaysians are now focused on the ramifications of RSN Rayer’s statement such as the mob which stormed the Penang State Assembly
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Reputation is like fine china once broken it’s very hard to repair.” DAP’s reputation is now smeared because of what RSN Rayer said. Worst still, he refused to apologise or retract the remark, hence further worsening the situation
As an elected representative, he represents the people of Seri Delima. Regardless of the issue, nothing warrants the use of foul language, especially by a wakil rakyat.
Although he “only used the word at three particular Umno reps, who were part of a rally in Seberang Jaya on January 18 organised to protest against Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon who did the “I love Kangkung” flash mob that allegedly insulted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak”, why stoop down to that level? Using a derogatory word to counter the hurtful things that were said doesn’t make him any better than them
Furthermore, he is setting a bad example for future leaders. As a politician, he must know that he must weigh each word as many look up to him and even more await an opportunity to catch him off guard. By calling the 3 UMNO reps “celaka,” what is he teaching the future generation? Curse whoever you dont like?
DAP’s disciplinary committee must reprimand RSN Rayer as well as get him to apologise for his statement and retract it. It is a fait accompli that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Apologising would definitely avoid a bigger protest as threatened by an UMNO Youth leader
* This article can also be found at Malaysiakini and The Malaysian Insider
Trackbacks/Pingbacks