Sarawak PKR leader Baru Bian condemned Ismail’s comments, calling it “shockingly racist”.
“The tone of his remarks is shockingly racist and aimed at dividing the community along ethnic lines and to invoke fear and resentment among the races,” Baru said in a statement today.
He was referring to comments attributed to the minister at the ministry’s Excellent Service Award ceremony at Pullman Hotel in Kuching on Thursday.
Ismail was reported to have said that only the ruling coalition could safeguard the fate of civil servants and bumiputera rights while the opposition parties would not.
“The opposition has played up the bloated civil service issue and if the ‘other’ government takes over then half of the civil servants will be out of a job.
“So it is up to the civil servants if they want to keep their jobs or choose another government who will throw them out,” The Borneo Post had quoted him as saying in a report published on Friday.
He had also reportedly said that only the BN would take care of the Bumiputeras.
“Today’s ruling government is taking good care of the Bumiputeras especially with policies protecting their rights and privileges but without hindering or limiting other races from becoming successful in the country.
“Would people prefer a government by others who will deny Bumiputera rights?
“Of the two options, I think we have no choice, if we want to maintain Bumiputera rights, we have to maintain the BN government,” he said, according to Borneo Post.
Baru’s said Ismail Sabri had disgraced his position as a minister with his comments.
“This is incredibly irresponsible and immature of a minister and betrays the delusional supremacist mentality of this man. For Ismail Sabri to indulge in racist politicking, especially at a government event is a disgrace to the position he holds,” he said.
Baru warned if leaders raise racial sentiments to stay in power, society will disintegrate.
“And when that happens, they will blame others especially opposition parties. This is a very unhealthy and dangerous development,” he said.
Baru added that Ismail Sabri is the “classic example of the problem with BN leaders” who when they have nothing of substance to offer to the people, they “play on racial sentiment and fears.”
“Malaysians and the global community are very aware of the weakness of BN that is in their lack of real and meaningful policies for the unity, growth and development of this country.
“Instead they are riddled with corrupted and incompetent leaders and administrators whose main agenda is empowering themselves and grasping on to their positions by whatever means available,” Baru said.