As SEA Games hosts, the public should display statesmanship

In view of the ongoing Southeast Asian Games, Malaysian citizens should demonstrate  patriotism and as host, etiquette to our guests. The public is urged to not be keyboard warriors not politicise sports, and to not confuse sports with political parties or government administration.

Regarding the flag of the Republic of Indonesia which was displayed upside-down in the souvenir booklet, both Minister of Youth and Sports Khairy Jamaluddin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Anifah Aman have tended their apologies to their counterparts which have been duly accepted. Even Indonesian President Joko Widodo has said not to blow the issue out of proportion.

Unfortunately, there are keyboard warriors who exploited the issue to attack the government and nation, and this is very undesirable. In addition, some Internet users took the opportunity to modify the official design and slogan of the SEA Games image into connotations of a vulgar Cantonese word. Such incidents will only leave our international guests perplexed at the behaviour of Malaysians as hosts.

As the SEA Games is a regional sports event, as the host country, Malaysians should feel proud and honoured. As sports is apolitical, Malaysians irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation should come together to support our athletes and welcome all other ASEAN athletes and their supporters. Unfortunately, there are Malaysians who just want to trample and vilify our very own tanahair, despite us going to welcome our 60^th year of Negaraku or Independence.

Since the Opposition made huge gains in the 12^th general elections, cyber sphere is filled with the politics of hatred and instigation against the federal government. Some netizens have lost their ability to think and are just bent on abusing their own country.

As SEA Games host nation, we should demonstrate decorum and a graceful demeanour, and certainly not make ourselves the butt of jokes of the international community.

Senator Dato’ Chai Kim Sen
MCA Publicity Bureau Chairman
MCA Deputy National Organising Seretary

-MCA online-