"I Will Not Apologise," Says Karpal Singh

DAP chairman Karpal Singh said there was no reason for him to apologise or retract his criticism of the Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan for the latter's speech. He said the speech could provoke ill will and hostility among the different races in the country.

Karpal said the attorney-general should look into the possibility of directing a police officer to lodge a report against the Tengku Mahkota for going beyond what he claimed was permissible as freedom of speech. (NST)

***** Mr Karpal Singh is indeed absolutely right when he says that he will not apologise. There is no need to, for he was merely reacting to a race-hate speech by a second echelon member of royalty.

The said royal should know when and what to say in public and when to shut up. To come out with racist innuendoes is to risk losing his respect and exposing himself to sniper fire from all sides including the Internet. In a multi-racial and evolving democracy like ours no one is above the law and any person, royal or commoner who indulges in rabble-rousing and stokes ethnic hatred should be roundly condemned.

If the Tengku Mahkota wishes to further involve himself in the rough and tough world of everyday politics, let him descend from his palatial abode, remove his royal robes and put on the garb of a politician and do battle on even terms. If he's not prepared, then he should remain cloistered within the istana walls and leisurely watch the world go by.
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