SHAH ALAM - Former Selangor state assemblyman Najwan Halimi has apologised for making a racial slur against Parti Socisalis Malaysia (PSM) and its candidate for the Meru state assembly seat, Sivaranjani Manickam.
In a statement late last night, Najwan admitted his "mistake” and took full responsibility for his action.
He was called out by internet users after PSM secretary-general Sivarajan Arumugam posted a screenshot of his "Indian estate party” remark in a chat group comment on a news report about Sivaranjani being fielded.
Najwan said he should not have had such a "shallow perception” about the socialist party, which he described as a "forward-looking political party” that championed issues of the Indian community especially those living in the estates.
The PKR Shah Alam deputy chief said he did not harbour any racial prejudices or biases against any ethnic groups including the Indian community.
He said he has since reached out to Sivarajan to apologise to the party’s leadership and its members.
"I sincerely apologise to all those who were offended, and I will exercise greater caution in any statements issued in the future.
"I hope that this issue can be resolved amicably, and I promise it will not happen again,” he said.
Najwan was elected as assemblyman for Kota Anggerik in 2018.
PSM’s Chong Yee Shan in response shared Sivaranjani’s work in fighting for labour rights for more than 10 years, handled more than 10,000 cases and even used own money to attend labour and employees courses to defend the rights of labourers and ensure they have a better life.
In her post, she said this was the Sivaranjani which Najwan had made the racist remark on.
Chong attached a previous case where Sivaranjani worked on a groundless termination suit for a woman named Aniza. They won the case with the former company having to pay compensation of RM63,000.