PETALING JAYA: Muda has apologised after some of its members body-shamed incumbent Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.
Muda secretary-general Amira Aisya said remarks made by one Thinesh Raj and its Bukit Gasing candidate VKK Raja against Rajiv do not reflect Muda’s beliefs.
"On behalf of Muda, I would like to make a public apology to Rajiv for the remarks by some of our members.
"It doesn’t reflect Muda’s beliefs and ideals.
"This does not reflect the true meaning of #PolitikBaru that Muda champions," Amira tweeted on Thursday (Aug 10).
Amira also said most members were unhappy with Thinesh’s remarks and a disciplinary report had been received.
"I urge Muda members to focus on policies and actions that we want to implement and move away from politics of personal attacks," said Amira.
Raja, in a deleted tweet, said it was a must to be fit and healthy.
"Always remember being fit and healthy is a must, no point in being young when you’re leading an unhealthy life.
"A slightly older and fitter candidate from Muda," said Raja.
He subsequently apologised, saying it was insensitive and wrong.
Raja also said he had raised the matter with Muda’s disciplinary board and would leave it to the party leadership to decide.
In a deleted tweet, Thinesh made similar remarks towards Rajiv.
"At least Raja was decent enough to apologise if it hurt anybody. If it was me, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to say 'Rajiv you’re a fat (expletive deleted), get some testosterone, accept reality and move on'," he tweeted.
Thinesh also apologised in a later tweet on Thursday (Aug 10).
"I would like to sincerely apologise for the profanity used and body-shaming you in my tweet.
"I have taken it down as it was meant to be an example of what I would have said in a body-shaming context.
"My sincere apology," he said.
Bukit Gasing will see a three-cornered fight among Rajiv, Raja and Perikatan Nasional’s Nallan Dhanabalan.
