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Bersatu Pasir Puteh division vice chairman Borhanuddin Che Rahim has publicly apologised for the racist Facebook status he wrote about national badminton player Kisona Selvaduray
Although the racist remark was taken down, screenshots of the Facebook post went viral on social media over the weekend.
According to Malay Mail, the status was uploaded after Kisona’s defeat to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi during the Malaysia-Japan Sudirman Cup semi-final clash on Friday, 1 October.
The post read, “In which estate did Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM) pick up this Indian (k*ling) to become Malaysia’s main player?”
Image via The Vibes
The racist remark angered many online, especially those in the sports industry
In a statement on Sunday, 3 October, BAM said they were “utterly appalled” by the post as they have zero tolerance for any form of racism or discrimination towards their players.
“Such a dreadful remark is uncalled for, and we urge all Malaysians to condemn this senseless act,” said the national badminton governing body.
Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reported that Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu also condemned the act and added that several police reports were lodged over the post.
BAM CONDEMNS RACISM IN SPORT BAM is utterly appalled by the racist remarks made towards our national women’s singles player, S Kisona. pic.twitter.com/jWJ8BLCCLg
— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) October 3, 2021
In a public apology, Borhanuddin admitted that the Facebook account belongs to him and that he made a mistake
The Kelantan politician told Utusan Malaysia that it did not cross his mind to belittle any individual or race when writing the status.
“I did not intend to insult the Indian community with the term. [The term] is commonly used in spoken language in Kelantan to refer to Indians. It was a mistake I made without thinking about the consequences,” he said on Sunday, 3 October.
He added that he would like to withdraw his statement and apologise publicly to all Malaysians, especially those affected by his post.
“I will also improve on my behaviour,” he said.
Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Borhanuddin will be resigning from the political party following the controversy.
According to Malaysiakini, Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is also Bersatu deputy president, said Borhanuddin has submitted his letter of resignation to the Pasir Puteh division office.