KUCHING: Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has condemned the racial slurs directed at Belaga-born Malaysia Super League footballer Tommy Mawat Bada following a recent on-field altercation.
The controversy erupted after a clash between Tommy, who plays for Perak FC, and JDT’s Arif Aiman Hanapi during a match on Sunday, and has sparked a wider debate on racial sensitivity in Malaysian football.
Abdul Karim, speaking to reporters at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on Thursday (Nov 14), urged social media users to be more responsible in their online interactions.
He called for unity and respect, emphasising that criticism based on ethnicity—whether against Malay, Dayak, Chinese, or others—was harmful to the nation’s harmony.
“Do not provoke or criticise people based on their ethnicity.
“We live in Malaysia, a diverse nation, and using such terms can be insulting and damaging to our social harmony and national prosperity.”
In a bold response on Instagram, Tommy addressed the racially charged comments he had received, stating that while everyone has the right to express themselves, criticisms should not involve personal or racial attacks.
“However, even if you’re upset, avoid mentioning anything about family or race (Dayak). Yes, I was born as a Dayak in my blood. I’m still proud of it until today,” he said.
Tommy also cautioned his detractors, urging them to think about the consequences of their words and to avoid spreading hate.
“Do not Dayak, Dayak me. What if other Dayakians saw and read your comments? Can you handle it?” he asked, ending his post with a call for unity: “Do not spread hate among football. We are all human beings.”
Abdul Karim reiterated the importance of living peacefully in Malaysia’s multiracial society.
He acknowledged that while freedom of speech is a constitutional right, it should be exercised with responsibility to foster a harmonious and respectful environment.
He warned that ethnic-based criticisms could spark negative feelings within specific communities, undermining national unity.
“People should live in peace and harmony. When we use words to criticise someone based on their ethnicity—such as ‘this Chinese’, ‘this Malay’, or ‘this Dayak’—it will arouse negative feelings within that community.”
Perak FC also came out in defence of their player, condemning all forms of racism in football.
The club issued a statement on their official Facebook page, asserting that football should serve as a unifying force, not a platform for discrimination.
“Perak FC firmly states that there is no place for racism in football. Football has always been a medium to unite people, not to spread hatred and discrimination,” the club said.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has announced that it will investigate the altercation between Tommy and Arif Aiman.
