What an interesting week it’s been for Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz.
Angered by the claims in three articles that began to circulate via popular politico blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin regarding Robert Kuok’s attempts to overthrow the current government, Nazri made an impassioned speech on camera, in front of media outlet Malaysiakini.
For the record, Robert Kuok is 94-years-old and lives in Hong Kong.
Also for the record, Nazri really likes his Ray-Bans.
Referring to Kuok as a “pondan” (effeminate, but essentially a derogatory term that translates to “tranny”) and a hen who continues to hide behind the walls of Hong Kong.
Speaking to reporters in front of his constituency in Perak, he also called the billionaire a “coward with no testicles” (that’s the “telur” bit).
And if that wasn’t enough, when he spoke to China Press, he called Kuok arrogant, and accused him of funding the DAP opposition party. He then added that if he was so rich, perhaps he should join politics.
Buddy, first of all, Malaysia only has room for one nonagenarian in politics right now. Second, being rich does not always equate to success in politics, just ask Ross Perot (who?!), or take a look at what’s going on in America right now (yeah, he’s president but … hoo boy).
Kuok denied the allegations of opposition funding, as did the leader of the opposition, Lim Kit Siang.
Members of the Chinese party in the ruling BN coalition government were also displeased, calling on Nazri to apologize. MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon asked that he “man up” and issue an open apology.
Although the comments were not targeted at the Chinese community as a whole, Chong explained that the entire community was offended due to the colorful language that he used in reference to the 94-year-old man’s gender alignment.
He also condemned the minister for not fact checking what he read on a blog before sounding off to the media.
Kuok, who got his start as a sugar plantation owner before ascending into real estate development supremacy, is an important and revered figure in the Chinese community.
Also coming to the defense of Kuok was none other than the brother of the prime minister, chairman of CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, Datuk Seri Nazir Razak. He posted to his Instagram account that he has spent quite a bit of time with Kuok over the years, and read his book.
A paragon of manners and decorum, Nazir added that he may not always agree with his views, but that Kuok was a patriot, an icon in Malaysian business, and also “a first-class gentleman.”
Nazri, you may recall, chose Uruguayan, limb-biting, casually racist footballer Luis Suarez to be Tourism Malaysia’s latest ambassador. Watch some of his stellar acting, and confusion over our nation’s cultures, and understand why calling that decision myopic is an insult to glasses-wearers.
While the Tourism and Culture minister has admitted that maybe he wasn’t right on the facts, he still refuses to apologize.
What’s the opposite of class act?
