Perak menteri besar Zambry Abdul Kadir has described the “dedak” posting as an immature act.
Zambry said that Nga was an experienced and educated MP and state assemblyman and should refrain from writing something that could stir controversy especially when Muslims were celebrating Aidilfitri.
It was the second successive Hari Raya posting that drew criticism, and caused police to take action. On Hari Raya eve, a large American evangelical poster was used, under Nga’s Hari Raya greetings. The two postings no longer appear on the page.
Umno Supreme Council member Ismail Sabri Yaakob said no other political leader had come out with such remarks, likening them to an attempt at cheap publicity, while MCA Youth’s Chong Sin Woon said Nga should stop threatening the country through social media.
The posting on July 6 featured a cartoon of children seeking “duit raya” and linked the action to the word “dedak” (bran, or chicken feed) a derogatory opposition catchphrase for those who accept government or political handouts.
One child says “This year we do not ask for duit raya.. we are asking for donations..” while another child says, “Tak dapat derma, dedak pun ok…” (No donations, dedak is fine too). The image bore the headline “Hanya di Malaysia di bawah UMNO, Selamat Hari Raya” (Only in Malaysia under Umno) and the Aidifitri greeting “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin”
Police said investigations have begun under the Sedition Act and the Penal Code after several reports were lodged against Nga, who is head of Perak DAP.
Zambry said Muslims would find it very sensitive “when we put something not at the right place”. The dialogue was insulting to the century-old Malay tradition and questioned if giving “angpow” (red packets at Chinese New Year) would also be considered as “dedak”.
Ismail Sabri had questioned whether Nga’s posting was a cheap publicity stunt. “This is a very rude act. It should not have happened because giving ‘duit raya’ is not something new. It is to cheer up the children and that is why it is not given to the adults.”
Ismail Sabri said no other political leader had come out with such remarks. Nga had “created history” as a leader who did not understand the culture of a plural society, and called for him to issue an immediate apology, Bernama reported.
Perak Umno Youth’s Khairul Azwan Harun said the authorities should investigate the matter. “I am worried this matter may be copied by irresponsible individuals if no immediate action is taken.
MCA’s Chong, who is also deputy education minister, said the “duit raya” posting was ‘extreme’ and left a bad impression of Malaysia, besides causing anger among the people.
“This is not the first time he has made such a posting in Facebook. His action showed that he is so arrogant and insensitive of the festivity we are celebrating at this time. I hope he will realise it and stop undermining the country with his postings, which have many adverse effects and angered the people,” he said in Kuala Lumpur, Bernama reported.
As an experienced MP, Nga should have understood the situation and people’s sensitivity before uploading such messages, Chong said.
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