"The Education Ministry's latest circular to warn school principals and teachers against making racist remarks is irrelevant as it fails to address the real problems. Blaming the principals and teachers is merely an act of finding a scapegoat," said Lim in a statement today."Umno leaders should refrain from racist politics before pointing fingers to others. The buck should stop at Tan Sri Muhyiddin. If Muhyiddin continues to tolerate racist behaviour among Umno leaders and members, it is not surprising that it has infected the civil service, including school principals and teachers. Stern actions must be taken to resolve this problem, said Lim.
What type of "stern action" is Mr Lim calling for? Demotion? Sacking? Loss of privileges? Public caning perhaps? Fine? Jail time? How much blood needs to be spilled before Mr Lim gets his pound of flesh? "Stern action" about the alleged racist statement made by Siti Inshah in particular, or "stern action" against racism in the education system in general? Both, perhaps? Too many questions, Mr Lim.
By being unclear in his calls for "stern action", Mr Lim can have his cake and eat it too. When action (whatever it is) comes down, he can say that action has finally been taken because of pressure from the Opposition. If the "action" is not sufficiently "stern", then he can say that the Government is being "soft" on racism. This puts a lot of pressure on the Government to take really strong action, then that leaves them open to attack by the Malay ultras from within and without. It's a smart trick politicians play and, right now, Muhyiddin is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. That's all well and good, but where does that really leave us with the problem of racism in our schools?
Let's not forget that there has been no confirmation of guilt yet in the case of Siti Inshah; presumably she is innocent till proven guilty. Internal Education Ministry investigations are still ongoing (though a case can be made that they've taken far too long already). Even if she is guilty, there needs to be restraint in the action taken against her -- racism is a really bad thing, but in the bigger picture of Really Bad Things, its still not that bad. Let the punishment fit the crime, Cicero said. I agree.
Mr Lim hit the nail of the head here, when he said:
Muhyiddin should stop playing politics and seriously think of the impact on our multiracial country. Racism is beyond party politics; it is a cancer that can destroy all of us, regardless of one's creed, colour and class," said Lim.
Racism is a cancer. Those infected by it are sick. We're human beings -- you don't put down a human being for being sick. You rehabilitate her, you make her better; in the case of racism in the education system, a lot more work needs to be done. By doing so, you not only improve her life, but you tend to vaccinate others against it as well. Flogging Siti Inshah for her alleged "crime" will not cure her of her illness, it'll just make her sorry for being sick.
Mr Lim, it is you who should stop playing politics. Pay attention to your own words. Be constructive as the Opposition, not destructive.
