Mohd Syahir urged to apologise to Siamese community over insensitive remarks

ALOR SETAR - Bachok Member of Parliament Mohd Syahir Sulaiman has been urged to issue an apology to the Siamese community following his remarks on the New Economic Model Debate programme, which were alleged to be insensitive to the institutions and religion of Buddhism.

The Kedah Siamese Association (PSK) Chairman and the Malaysian Siamese Association (PSM) Deputy President Tang Edam expressed disappointment and resentment over Mohd Syahir's statements, which were said to have hurt the feelings of the Siamese community in Malaysia.

He stated that the remarks were entirely inaccurate, as the prohibition of alcohol consumption is one of the fundamental moral teachings of Buddhism known as Pancasila (Five Precepts).

"He said in Buddhism, alcohol is permissible, while we have the Five Precepts that we adhere to.

"In the Pancasila that we uphold, intoxicating drinks are prohibited. Therefore, intoxicating and mind-altering beverages are forbidden," he told Sinar Harian on Friday.

As a result, he questioned where the Pas Deputy Secretary-General obtained the facts and information when making such insensitive statements.

"He made impulsive remarks, which are unacceptable," he said.

Therefore, Tang said he urged Mohd Syahir to apologise to Buddhist and Siamese communities nationwide for his statement.

"If one observes Siamese individuals consuming alcohol, it is a personal matter unrelated to religion. Hence, he cannot make baseless allegations.

"So, we request him to apologise before we take any legal or other actions because we are extremely disappointed," Tang said, reminding individuals not to mix and involve religious matters in politics.