MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi's remarks on homosexuality have made Malaysia a laughing stock, says MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (pic).
Expressing disbelief at the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister's remarks that homosexuality does not exist in Malaysia, Dr Mah also criticised the Parti Warisan Sabah leader's ability to field questions from the media.
"He was asked by a reporter if Malaysia is safe for homosexuals. All he needed to say was that Malaysia is a safe country and every tourist is safe here," said Dr Mah.
He said that Mohamaddin had instead made an "outlandish" remark that homosexuality does not exist in Malaysia.
"Malaysia does not ask or care about the sexual orientation of tourists. He just needed to say every tourist must respect the laws and cultural sensitivities of their host countries and it ends there," said Dr Mah in a statement.
German daily Berliner Morgenpost quoted Mohamaddin on Wednesday (Mar 6) as saying that " I think we do not have such a thing in our country. I cannot answer whether it's safe or not," while in Germany for a travel fair.
Dr Mah said that Mohamaddin's remarks from had dented Malaysia's reputation, and advised him to issue clarification on the matter,
He also hoped that Mohamaddin would not blame the media for misquoting him.
Dr Mah also raised doubt over the performance of certain ministers.
"It's clear that some of them are non-performers and that they needed to be dropped soon. Please do not send them to other ministries."
