Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
The UMNO Youth Organization has urged the Malaysian government to revoke the citizenship of former Malaysian badminton athlete, Bong Guang Yik, after making racist comments on social media.
“If you intend to suspend this national athlete for making sensitive remarks on social media, you must also punish Bong (Guang Yik) for his actions,” said the head of UMNO’s youth wing, Muhamad Akmal Saleh, as quoted by The Star, Tuesday (14/2). ).
Saleh said Guang Yik’s statement was unacceptable and could not be taken lightly because it could lead to an unwanted situation.
“His statement could cause a stir if it is not addressed immediately,” said Saleh.
Saleh believes that as a former badminton player, Guang Yik should know that he cannot carelessly make sensitive statements about race and religion.
He also said Guang Yik’s apology was not enough to end the case. In his opinion, Guang Yik should be punished to prevent others from doing the same thing.
“As a former national badminton coach, Bong should have understood that he could not make sensitive statements about race and religion for whatever reason,” Saleh told Sinar Harian.
Bong Guang Yik previously made statements on social media criticizing the state of Malaysian badminton. He alluded to the Malay race and the obligation to pray which had caused the players from the Neighborhood to suffer a slump.
“For the Malays who enter the management ranks [BAM]. They have prayed five times a day, so there is no intention to take care of BAM,” said Bong.
“The weak system caused the Malaysian players to all slump.”
His statement also received criticism from various parties, one of which was Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh. Hannah strongly criticized Bong’s comments.
“I do not agree with his comments on social media and strongly condemn any remarks related to race and religion even though he has apologized,” Hannah Yeoh was quoted as saying by the Malaysia Gazette.
According to Hannah, religious worship has never interfered with the achievements of Malaysian athletes.
“I believe that religious worship has never interfered with the achievements of athletes and sports. This has never been a problem in Malaysia,” said Hannah Yeoh.
Hannah stated that sport must be free from elements of race and politics. According to him, all Malaysian athletes are figures who can be a source of inspiration for the community.
Hannah had also checked on Bong Guang Yik’s status. As a result, he underwent a probationary period at BAM in 2014 and is now no longer living in Malaysia.
Source: Cable News Network