How did a non-issue become so controversial, asks Ramkarpal

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: The government should educate those who are misinformed instead of further contributing to the “Timah” controversy, says DAP’s Ramkarpal Singh.

In a statement, Ramkarpal said this controversy ought not to have happened in the first place as it indicated sheer ignorance on the part of the government, adding that a non-issue had been turned into an issue for some reason.

“It is most unfortunate that the issue has escalated into what it is with the whisky manufacturer now considering changing the name of its product after pressure to do so from various quarters, including the relevant ministry,” he said.

Ramkarpal added that he failed to see how the Malaysian-made whisky could cause confusion or touch on religious sensitivities as it was clearly related to the tin mining industry in Perak and the person depicted on the brand was a British officer during British colonial rule in Malaya.

“With so much spotlight on Timah recently and the numerous explanations that have surfaced to explain that it has no connection with any religion, it is difficult to understand how anyone can be confused as to what it means.

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