KUCHING, Nov 6: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Youth chief David Yeo has criticised an open letter by former Minister of Works, Dato Sri Mohd Zin Mohamed, describing the former minister’s behaviour as ‘divisive at best, outright xenophobic at worst’, and going against Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Malaysia Madani principles.
According to reports, Mohd Zin recently chastised Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) minister-cum-Bintulu MP Dato Sri Tiong King Sing in an open letter posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, saying he was appalled by Tiong defending his alleged drunken stupor at a Gawai Dayak celebration, which was recorded in a video which has since gone viral.
According to Tiong who is also PDP president, Mohd Zin seemed to suggest that ministers ‘are superior beings and events where ministers are invited should be approached with great formality and stiff protocols’.
“The recent open letter that former Minister of Works, Dato Sri Mohd Zin Mohamed published via his X (formerly Twitter) handle to YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing is malicious and inflammatory and misleading.
“Clearly, Dato Sri Mohd Zin has forgotten the very people who have put politicians such as himself and Dato Sri Tiong into office.
“While decorum is necessary in parliamentary proceedings, there should be no qualms in being able to engage with the social activities of supporters on the ground. The higher the public office, the more important the minister should be approachable to understand the real situation on the grassroot level,” said Yeo in a statement posted today on PDP’s Facebook page.
He asserted: “Furthermore, Dato Sri Tiong, as a non-Muslim, can lawfully drink with his supporters.
“Ministers from western democracies drink as well, but like Dato Sri Tiong, do so in the confines of their private time.
“Most importantly, the minister has continued to carry out his official duties meanwhile with stone-cold sobriety!”
Yeo went on to say that Mohd Zin mischaracterized the situation by conveniently ignoring Articles 3 and 11 of the Malaysian Constitution, whereby non-Muslims are free to practise their own religion.
“Mohd Zin would do well to remember Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Malaysia Madani principles on an inclusive society built on tolerance and understanding. Mohd Zin’s behaviour can only therefore be described as divisive at best, outright xenophobic at worst,” he claimed.
Furthermore, the PDP Youth chief noted that Tiong clearly understands that while Malaysia has a Muslim majority, the country must cater to non-Muslims as well, particularly foreign visitors who bring economic benefits in a post-Covid-19 world.
“A moderate approach that respects the Islamic tenets but welcoming non-Muslims. Qatar and UAE (United Arab Emirates) have done it, and Mohd Zin should be glad that Dato Sri Tiong is doing the same as Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
“The social issues Mohd Zin has mentioned are nothing more than cherry-picking facts over the larger economic issue.
“If Mohd Zin respects all Malaysians, then he is to stop this fictitious (sic) act and apologise to Dato Sri Tiong. In fact, I invite Mohd Zin to Sarawak, where I am, to show him the meaning of religious and cultural harmony,” Yeo asserted. — DayakDaily
