Petaling Jaya, March 4- Facebook users went up in arms against a girl who made fun of the name designated for the Penang’s second bridge, Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge.
The Facebook page called ‘Saya Sayang Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’ published a post by one named Rishni Manogaran, who belittled the name given to the recently completed second bridge.
“Jambatan Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah? Seriously?? By the time I say out the name I would have reached the end of the bridge,” reads Rishni’s post.
Joining her conversation was one Panthera Leo Mathavan who said that the bridge would sound better if named as Francis Light Bridge.
“They wana show that Penang is under Ketuanan Melayu. As a full blooded Penangite, it is Penang second bridge for me,” said another who is known as Magima Raj Pragasam.
Livid by the postings, fans of the ‘Saya Sayang Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’ Facebook page hurled brickbats on the trio and accused them of insulting the King.
“Kurang hajar punya india keling paria tak sedar diri.rishni dan panthera,u boleh berambos balik india n jadi peminta sedekah di rishninegara u yg miskin papa kedana,” says Madiah Tahir.
(In translation: Insolent Indian out-caste, you can go back to India and become a beggar in your poor homeland)
Another Facebook user named Sulaiman Mahmud said that most Indians in Malaysia came from the lower caste and did jobs no other community wanted to do, such as building roads, tapping rubber and cleaning toilets.
“We have been kind enough to give them a place to live but the current generation, forgetting they are out-castes, are becoming arrogant and rude to the extend of questioning our Rulers,” he said.
Meanwhile user Sett Emenem told Rishni that there are limits to freedom of expression and one should think hard before saying something hurtful.
“Have you ever come across our people insulting the street named Tun Sambanthan? Or Vivekananda school?.
“You only sparked raged through social networks. I don’t mind if you are against the ruling government, but to voice out dissatisfaction on every single thing they did, though its good ,is only showing a shallow mindset,” said Sett Emenem.
Rishni apologised
Realising the uproar created, Rishni tendered an apology on her post, saying that she never intended to insult the Malaysian monarchy with her comment.
“And there is no need to criticise me using foul language. I apologise to all who felt hurt by my comment. I will always respect the King, Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah,” said Rishni.
rishni1One commentator praised Rishni for tendering an apology, which he said showed maturity on the girl’s part.
“Congratz to you miss Rishni. You have just behaved like a civilized person and apologized. Kita pulak orang melayu-islam, jaga tingkah laku kita. Takkan nak tunjuk yang kita sama macam puak yang lagi satu (Translation: We Malays should also be respectful. Don’t be like the other party) ,” said Ariff Ikhzam Mohd Mufaradzi.
However, not all readers accepted Rishni’s apology, saying that it was easy for anyone to hurt someone’s feelings and later apologise.
“What an easy life. Say whatever nonsense you want and later, tender an apology,” said one Mohd Syahril.
On the other hand Azmat Abdul Hamid said that he missed the leadership of Mahathir, as people like Rishni would have been hauled up by the authorities immediately.
“Be like Tun ( Mahathir)…you say anything wrong, into prison you go. Bring back the Internal Security Act. Malaysia used to be peaceful. Miss you Tun,” said Azmat.
-FreeMalaysiaToday
