Kuala Lumpur, February 16 – The incident involving a corn seller in Sepang who displayed a sign saying “Not for sale to Keling” has sparked outrage among the Indian community and Malaysians who reject racism. Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan, a social activist and justice advocate, has called on YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami, Deputy Minister of National Unity, to take immediate and firm action to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
This controversy brings to mind Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s past apology when he used a term that was considered offensive to the Indian community. If a former Prime Minister and national leader can acknowledge his mistake and apologize, why should a mere street vendor, who used far more offensive language, not be held accountable?
> “We, the Indian community, are not vengeful people. We believe in forgiveness, but such blatant insults cannot be ignored. If someone sincerely apologizes, we can allow room for change, but justice must still be upheld,” said Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan.
Displaying a racial slur in public is not just an individual act—it reflects a systemic failure in curbing racism at its roots. The fact that some individuals feel bold enough to insult another race openly, without fear of consequences, is alarming.
> “National unity should not be an empty slogan. I urge YB Saraswathy, as the Deputy Minister of National Unity, to take firm action, not just issue statements. We want real and effective solutions,” he added.
Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan also stressed that Malaysians must not remain silent in the face of such discrimination. If we truly wish to build a united nation, all forms of racism must be rejected without compromise.