Malaysian Tourism and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, has been forced to defend the country’s decision to make perennial limb-biter, the Uruguayan striker and arguable football pitch has-been (sorry, but with Neymar’s departure, his lack of fitness is evident), Luiz Suarez, our country’s international tourism ambassador.
Was Mike Tyson considered too kitsch?
In a consummately deflective manner, Nazri quickly changed the subject, pointing out that some our country’s Parliamentary MPs have also had “terrible behavior” but had continued support from the public, and “let’s not condemn someone just because of what happened in the past.” Three times! (Please note evidence in the video below.)
Apples, meet oranges. MPs behaving badly, meet Suarez. None of you have anything in common, but never mind – ciao!
In response to questions posed by PKR representative Hee Loy Sian, he told MPs that what happened to Suarez was on the field (aka, his workplace) and that if he was that bad “why would he have millions of fans on social media?”
With all due respect, Datuk Seri, we’re not sure if social media influence is the best gauge when deciding your next tourism ambassador, and if that’s the kind of clout you’re looking for, were neither DJ Khaled, nor Kris Jenner available?
Suarez, of course, has a track record of taking his pitch-play displeasure carnal, and biting the arms, and shoulders, of his foes in some kind of cannibalistic rage that actually won’t score any goals.
The FC Barcelona striker has been suspended for attacks in 2010 (Otman Bakkal, bitten shoulder), 2013 (Branislov Ivanovic, bitten right arm) and as recently as 2014 when at the World Cup, he bit Giorgio Chiellini on the left shoulder.
His last infraction resulted in a four-month worldwide ban, and fine of RM362,000 (US$90,000).
Let’s hope he’s still hungry … to talk about our country’s biodiversity tourism!
