KAPIT: Youth, Sport, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has called on Kedah’s Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, to issue an apology to the Federal Minister of Tourism and Arts, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Abdul Karim criticised Sanusi’s recent remarks at the Kedah Assembly Legislative (DUN) session, labelling them as derogatory.
“As a leader, it’s crucial to maintain decorum, especially when addressing fellow colleagues from different political backgrounds. Derogatory statements like comparing the Minister of Tourism to a ‘Buddha statue’ are inappropriate and disrespectful towards others’ beliefs,” Abdul Karim told reporters at a press conference after representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, officiating the state-level Youth Day at Dewan Suarah Kapit today (Dec 2).
He said that it was important to maintain a respectful tone in public discourse, noting that statements made in the DUN are recorded in the hansard, leaving a lasting digital footprint accessible to the public and future generations.
Sanusi’s comments, made while questioning Tiong’s participation in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s bilateral meeting with Thailand at the Sadao Thailand Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex, were: “Sitting under banana trees like a bald Buddha statue with a big belly”.
In response, Tiong expressed his disappointment on his Facebook account, deeming Sanusi’s remarks as both inappropriate and insulting.
“I’m not concerned about personal insults towards my appearance. However, it’s crucial for a Menteri Besar to uphold a standard of respect towards others,” Tiong said, questioning Sanusi’s leadership attitude.
