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In our pendidikan moral classes, our teachers tried cultivating a culture of appreciation and empathy towards all races and sexes. As Malaysian youths, we were brought up to be respectful towards our elders. We were told that these values (and more) are the cornerstone to build a harmonious country.

When looking up to a Member of Parliament (MP), many youths have a strong expectation that the MPs should respect everyone regardless of their sex, age and race. At times, however, we are sorely disappointed. Take the recent parliamentary sitting on 13th July as an example. From racist remarks being thrown to the Batu Kawan MP, Kasthuri Patto, to ridiculing Muar MP Syed Saddiq for his young age, these instances embody the problematic misogynist and seniority mindset in our society. 

When asked to retract how he addressed K. Patto as “ too dark” to the point where he “can’t see” her, Baling MP Abdul Azeez gleefully replied, “ I am dark too, what’s the difference here?”  This episode serves as an angry example of subtle racism and misogynist problems in our society. Abdul Azeez’s intention was clear. His comments towards K. Patto’s skin colour was meant to ridicule and mock her, and his justification afterwards further adds fuel to the fire. 

Even in his followed-up apology to K.Patto, Abdul Azeez’s careless and carefree demeanor further angered many netizens. He claimed that his use of “gelap” was to refer to the dimly lit  area K. Patto was in, and even incredulously asked her to “put on some powder” next time. This calls into question how easily we let people off the hook for racist comments. If his action were to be treated with impunity, it would further embolden the ugly tendrils of racism in our society. 

Parliamentary sittings should be an example to the public, especially when it is broadcasted to the whole nation. MPs like Abdul Azeez misleads our younger generations to normalise subtle racism in our society. We should reject such dangerous notions. As the younger generation and future of Malaysia, we should never allow such subtle racism to be normalized in our society. Unity is the key component in ensuring a brighter future ahead for Malaysians. Unlike some of our elders, we must do better.