It is improper for the Minister of Culture, Datuk Rais Yatim to humiliate a journalist or for that matter anybody whether a Malaysian or a foreigner as shown in the You Tube. The Malays have a saying which goes something like this " Pantang menjatuhkan airmuka orang lain." If he claims to be a gentleman and a cultured person, he shouldn't have spoken in such a way to this particular journalist.
What is his motive in insulting this reporter? What is he trying to prove? Is his message also aimed at the English speaking businessmen and tourists who came to this country to do business or holiday here respectively. I assumed, the reporter had to speak English because his paper, the Star is an English tabloid. That being the case, it was therefore natural for him to speak English.
It was not criminal to do so. And furthermore, the minister, is himself an English speaker. He did his law in English. Another Malay saying is just appropriate for this situation "Kacang lupakan kulit." It would be a different matter if he was ignorant of the English Language. It would be excusable. But then, he should have put his request and explanation in a more polite manner. Shouldn't have done it, in an abrupt, haughty and abusive style?
For the minister to calm this storm in a teacup, he should apologise to the journalist concerned. That would indeed be a gentlemanly act and maybe a dinner treat too.
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