KUCHING, Nov 17: Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has lambasted Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for equating humans with animals based on their clothing choices.
According to reports, Sanusi allegedly stated at a press conference on Wednesday (Nov 15) that it was simply incorrect to believe that progress meant people should be less covered up and show more skin.
He was also quoted as saying, “Animals don’t wear clothes. The less we wear, the more animal-like we become.”
“I was very surprised when Sanusi associated a person’s way of dressing with an ‘animal’. When I heard such words, I was stunned and really surprised.
“When the media asked me to comment on Sanusi’s statement, I had to admit that his actions often ‘flip-flop’ or change according to the situation.
“If yesterday (Nov 15) he said that he would not impose restrictions on the way non-Muslims dress, today (Nov 16) he said that simpler clothes represent progress – makes me confused,” Tiong said in a Facebook post yesterday (Nov 16).
He went on to say that Sanusi’s inconsistent statements were confusing and were detrimental to efforts to promote and support tourism in Langkawi.
“Looking at this situation, I cannot guarantee that the tourists will not be subject to any restrictions or obstacles on the way they dress if they visit Langkawi,” he added.
“If there are any unpleasant incidents while tourists are present, does the perpetrator simply wash his hands and then blame the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture?”
Meanwhile, Tiong mentioned that on the tourism situation in Langkawi, Sanusi himself mentioned a decrease in local visitors only a week ago, and yesterday (Nov 15) claimed that many tourists flood Langkawi during the Deepavali holidays, including cruises bringing in 10,000 to 20,000 visitors.
“Is Sanusi aware of his responsibilities as a Menteri Besar? After the election, political propaganda must stop, and leaders must start working. However, he seems to be more focused on gaining political popularity by constantly issuing sensational statements. If I were a local voter, I would definitely not vote for him to lead my state,” he asserted. — DayakDaily
