PAP MP Ms Rahayu MahzamPolice report filed against PAP MP, Ms Rahayu Mahzam for alleged racist remarks
A member of the public, Mr Abdul Salim Harun has filed a police report on Ms Rahayu Mahzam, a Member of Parliament from the People's Action Party for alleged racist remarks made on 5 May during the last PAP rally for the Bukit Batok By-Election.
Mr Salim claims that Ms Rahayu's remarks to have the potential to cause subversion among the minority community here.
In the report, Mr Salim wrote,
"On the 5th May 2016, during a Bukit Gombak stadium PAP rally, Ms Rahayu Mahzam insinuated in her Malay speech mischievously, that the opposition candidate Dr Chee Soon Juan is not only xenophobic, but all foreign Muslims who come into our shores needs to be screened vigorously and background checks judiciously. I feel that such comments especially from elected MPs can constitute subversion among the populace if left unchallenged and does not go well with societal norms and fabric. The 8 min 20 sec speech also constitute defamation as Dr Chee had not said any of such at all and its reach is alarming.
I am lodging this report for record purpose and will be seeking legal advise on the matter. "
He said that these remarks were "placed into" the mouth of Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) when he never said any of such things.I am lodging this report for record purpose and will be seeking legal advise on the matter. "
During the campaign of the Bukit Batok By-Election, Dr Chee responded to media queries on his views on the arrest of 8 radicalised Bangladeshi workers under the Internal Security Act. In the interview, he said, "we need to pay more attention to the people who come into our shores."
According to Mr Salim, the offending comments said by Ms Rahayu are as follow:
1) Jangan membenarkan kemasukan Pekerja asing - Not allowing the entry of foreign workers
2) Setiap orang Islam yang masuk ke Negara ini perlu dipantau/disaring - Muslims who entered this country needs to be scrutinised
3) Mengambil peluang ini untuk menjadikan isu Politik - Taking this opportunity to politicise the issue.
Mr Salim said that as a Malay who enjoys minority rights, he distances himself from such unwarranted attacks on a Chinese and furthermore, feel ashamed from the remarks.
He further added that similar racist remarks were made against him on Fabrication about the PAP (FAP) Fanpage by a "Shawn Loo" last year which was condoned by the authorities and Judiciary.
Mr Salim had volunteered his service with the SDP as a volunteer during the Bukit Batok By-election.
TOC has written to Ms Rahayu for her comments and will include her response when she replies.
