Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ismail Sabri’s outburst against Chinese traders is unnecessary, wrong and uncalled for, said Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Secretary General Dato’ Sebastian Ting.

Ismail’s statement in his Facebook calling Malays to boycott Chinese traders is racist in nature. “I would agree if he had called all Malaysians to boycott any unscrupulous traders. These traders come in all races so it is not right and shall never be right to single out any race.”  said Ting.

SUPP demands an apology on behalf of all Chinese traders and businessman  The statement by Ismail Sabri is uncalled for because as a senior minister, he should understand the concept of 1Malaysia.

Ting pointed out that Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Razak’s had always tried to inter-act Malaysians and thus the 1Malaysia slogan.

All Ministers must always remember that they are Ministers for all Malaysians and therefore for all races.

Sensitive and racial statements by any member of the Cabinet or anyone for that matter does not help or contribute towards nation building.  Our PM’s project of 1Malaysia to bring all Malaysians regardless of races and religions together may fail.  We are living in a multi racial country and it is our duty to respect one another and live together in harmony. That was why the statement by Ismail is very damaging,” he added.

Ting said,  Ministers should lead by example to ensure that Malaysians are a family and not create suspicion, hatred and distrust with his statement. They must understand that they should choose their words carefully when issuing such statement as once the words are said out, the damage has been done.

He hoped that action should  be taken against anyone who creates racial tension and disharmony. ‘We are all Malaysians, we should protect ourselves against those who make extremist remarks,” he said.

However in light of the recent steep fall in fuel prices, we urge our consumers to be knowledgeable and smart in exercising their buying power and avoid unreasonable traders as this will help pressure and hopefully, force these traders, to reduce prices for the benefit of all Malaysians regardless of race.

In the meantime, SUPP calls on all traders to reduce their prices  and help Malaysians to lower their cost of living while still making an honest profit.

Lower prices also mean better customer loyalty and higher sales volume that can more than compensate for a lower profit margin.

We also welcome the IGP’s quick move to question DS Ismail Sabri and to determine whether he had broken any laws.

SUPP demands an apology on behalf of all Chinese traders and businessman  The statement by Ismail Sabri is uncalled for because as a Senior Minister, he should understand the concept of 1Malaysia and an apology is the very least he should do.

 

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