Nasir Safar’s racist remarks in Melaka – of all places at a “Rapat 1Malaysia” seminar – was so potent that MCA and MIC representatives actually walked out of the Convention Centre. So followed the brouhaha in the media, including the obvious embarrassment of the PM, to the extent he had to remove him as his “special aide.” And Nasir was obviously arm-twisted to issue a public apology.
But my goodness, the “public apology” as reported in the media was no apology at all!! Let me quote you some excerpts (from the Star):
“…Nasir had taken cognisance of the various reactions that have risen among the people...” Obviously he had to “take cognisance” of the numerous police reports that were made, accusing him of sedition.
“…. I had no intention to make statements that were racist in nature or insulting to any community.” Really? you mean calling Malaysian citizens “pendatang” and calling Indians “beggars” and Chinese women “prostitutes” is not insulting? Puhleeez!!
“…some quarters think otherwise and I am apologising over any mistake...” Some quarters? Not you Nasir? You don’t think there really is any reason to apologise, do you?
“…I wish to make an open apology to all Malaysians over the remarks which are DEEMED to be racist, although I never intended it as such.” (emphasis mine). Good grief! He actually thinks he could have got away with racist insults simply because he was the PM’s “special aide?”
And so we have it – the apology that is not really an apology. Given in full-blown self-righteousness and pride. Not an iota of regret or remorse. Just political garbage!
