RACIAL slurs against athletes are uncalled for and the Youth and Sports Ministry condemns such racist behaviour, says Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.
The Deputy Youth and Sports Minister said his ministry hoped the racial abuse incident, which had targeted national badminton player S. Kisona, would not happen again.
“We also hope everyone will not utter any comments that may hurt our national athletes who have fought hard for the country in the international arena,” he said during his winding-up speech on the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP) in Parliament yesterday.
Ti said sportsmanship involved the principles of mutual respect and Malaysians should practise these values in their daily lives.
“Bring these values to all segments of society and foster the spirit of togetherness through sports,” he added.
P. Prabakaran (PH-Batu) thanked Ti for emphasising unity through sports in his speech.
“We hope this will be a lesson. Don’t use race in sports. Sports is about quality, not skin colour,” said Prabakaran.
Ti, in response, said the incident involved the actions of an irresponsible individual that did not reflect the character of a political party.
Pasir Puteh Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia division deputy chief Borhanuddin Che Rahim received brickbats from Malaysians after posting a racist remark about Kisona.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said police were currently investigating the matter.
Borhanuddin has since resigned his party post and issued a public apology to all Malaysians.
