Steven Sim slams Pas leader for questioning Johnny Lim's appointment
'When the enemy's bullets come, they don't ask whether our soldiers are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or Orang Asli," he said.
Human Resources Minister and Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim - Photo by Bernama
SHAH ALAM – DAP urges the authorities to take stern action against a Pas leader who questioned the appointment of Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng as the first Chinese Lieutenant General in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim said he was disappointed and saddened by the statement made by Sungai Buloh Pas chief Zaharudin Muhammad, who questioned Lim's appointment just because he was Chinese.
Sim stressed that Lim was indeed qualified to hold the position as he has served more than 40 years with the MAF.
'The statement by the Pas leader actually insults the thousands of young Malaysians who wear the military uniform every day, willingly being away from their families, rain or shine, sleeping in jungles and at borders to sacrifice and protect the sovereignty of this country.
'When the enemy's bullets come, they don't ask whether our soldiers are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or Orang Asli. But when an appointment is announced, there are those who place race above recognition for service and sacrifice to the nation,' he said in a statement, today. Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng during an interview at the National Resilience College in Putrajaya.
The Human Resources Minister said Zaharudin's statement on Lim's appointment also appeared to undermine the trust of the MAF and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces.
'Such malicious statements reveal the true attitude of Pas towards the non-Muslim community in this country.
'Is the sacrifice of this Lieutenant General, over 41 years of service still not 'worthy' of celebration in his view?
'Should a soldier's love for this country be measured by the colour of his skin?,' he asked.
Sim said he also wondered whether Zaharuddin had ever heard the name of Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri K. Thanabalasingam, the country's first local Royal Malaysian Navy chief.
'Has Zaharuddin ever heard of Brigadier General (Rtd) Datuk Seri Goh Seng Toh and many other non-Malays of the soil who have held high positions in the MAF?
'Statements that are racial, seditious and treasonous in tone such as this deserve to be met with firm legal action as a lesson to politicians, regardless of party, to never play with the fire of racism,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
Speak up! Speak up!
The ability of speaking more than one language is a valuable personal asset. — Photo from I HAVE great admiration for anyone who speaks another language besides his own mother tongue. A friend of mine, an Iban, who sadly had joined his Maker, spoke fluent Mandarin and several other Chinese dialects and also the Sarawak Malay. He also spoke Melanau (the Bintulu variety). There was never a dull moment to be in his company. During a happy occasion such as a wedding reception, someone who proposes a toast laced with good humour in two or more languages can turn a solemn situation into one full of laughter. Even during semi-formal discussions like seminars and workshops, it is always interesting to listen to speakers switching from one language to another at will, and yet, can still be fully understood by everybody else in the room. It's a very effective way of disseminating information, especially where the audience consists of people from various educational backgrounds. A language is only useful when, through it, the message is crystal clear – no ambiguity. If two or three languages could convey the same message, so much the better. An audience consisting of various ethnic groups of individuals with varying standards of literacy would greatly benefit from this sort of situation. Malaysians must appreciate the fact that they are allowed to be multilingual. At one stage in the history of Malaysia, there was an attempt to discourage the publication of literature written in Iban, or any other indigenous Borneo languages. The federal government policy then was that every Malaysian must speak Bahasa Malaysia and write in Bahasa Malaysia only. Over time, it was realised that this strict application of the language policy could not work in a multiracial society like Malaysia. I could have told them that! The unity of a nation does not depend solely on one national language. Switzerland has four national languages: French, German, Italian and Romansch. Politically, it is one of the most stable countries in the world and certainly, one of the richest in Europe. Please note carefully that I am not proposing for Malaysia to have four national languages. Not at all. Let the Malay Language remain our 'Bahasa Kebangsaan' (national language) and every Malaysian must continue learning, speaking and writing in it. And let the other languages of the various ethnic groups making up the population of Malaysia be used on a daily basis without hindrance, as is the position now. For the past 30 years, the structure of that language policy has been somewhat relaxed. It is what public policy should be if a multiracial society like ours is to sustain itself. It is hoped that this attitude will be maintained by the government of the day for as long as possible. Whichever political party in power in the country, let the language policy continue to be liberal. Yesterday, someone drew my attention to a report in The Borneo Post of June 22, 2025. It was about a public-speaking competition organised by the Sibu Chapter of the Federation of Sarawak Chinese Independent Secondary Schools for the students from 14 Chinese independent schools in the state. I salute whoever conceived the idea of a public-speaking competition in three languages: Mandarin, Malay and English. What a great idea! We are on the same page. I hope that one day, there would be a competition of this nature in the future: the use of the Iban language or any of the indigenous languages in Sarawak. The organisers of trilingual competitions, please bear that in mind. First, learn one of the languages. It is high time we actively learn each other's language. I wish someone would start a school or classes in the native languages. The Iban language is already a subject taught in a university in Malaysia, but other indigenous languages are not. Think about possibilities. The importance of a language is not confined to communication between individuals, but it is also crucial to racial understanding and racial harmony. The loss of the language means the loss of the culture of the speakers of that language and, with it, racial identity. Ask the Hawaiians what they feel about losing their language. They used to have their own language, but after English was made the main language of the islands and the lingua franca for daily communication, the use of the indigenous language began to wane. Eventually, generations of Hawaiians did not use their mother tongue on a daily basis and the language slowly died out of lack of regular use. For the past 50 years, some young Hawaiians have been trying to revive interest in the language. I do not know what the status is now. My source, a native Hawaiian introduced to me by Dr Yusuf Hannifah in Honolulu in 1971 and became my regular correspondent for years, had passed away. End of personal communication. The latest I heard about the interest in reviving the Hawaiian language was when I read about a group of musicians from Hawaii who came to perform at the Rainforest World Music Festival in Santubong. In a press release, they meant to showcase, through their performances, their depictions of the traditional culture in their own ancestral knowledge in their language (The Borneo Post – June 22, 2025). The sound of music and the lyric of the song can be an excellent medium of communication. For example, the famous song 'Bekikis Bulu Betis' composed by Penghulu Andrewson Ngalai of Sibu, has been sung by the non-Ibans in every conceivable occasion. It is such an excellent medium for the propagation of the Iban language. Back on the 'kulaiwi' artistes. They highlighted their work as part of 'a larger cultural movement to revive Hawaiian language and tradition'. Note the revival of interest in the Hawaiian language and see the importance of the human tongue for the sustainability of human civilisation. * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper. Iban language Melanau native sarawak
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (June 28, 2025)
Malaysia: * Armed Forces must stay prepared, equipped with latest defence technology, says King * Five Malaysians have chosen to remain in Iran, says Foreign Minister * Works Ministry only gets half the money needed for road repairs nationwide, says Ahmad Maslan * Russia to support Malaysia's nuclear technology development, says Fadillah * Only platform providers can block or take down social media content, says Fahmi * 13th Malaysia Plan revision not done in haste, says Fahmi * Sabah polls: PH, Barisan in final stages of talks, says Umno sec-gen * Ploughing and harvesting incentive payments to be completed by July 31, says Mat Sabu * Sabah leads the way with community-based tourism expo, says state minister * Two college students remanded for three days over bullying case * We want you: Non-bumis urged to join the Armed Forces as participation remains low * Penang4Palestine condemns discovery of oxycodone in flour packets for Gaza * Putra Heights inferno: Findings to be made public on June 30, says Selangor MB * Ringgit to trade firmer against US dollar next week, ahead of US labour data * Storm warning: Thunderstorms, heavy rain expected over nine states, two FTs until 7pm / MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm, heavy rain warning for four states * Malay unity call falls flat - Those asking Malays to come together have been around for decades during which they beat the unity drum when it suited them. Singapore: * Singapore has increased its security posture amid rising tensions from Iran-Israel conflict, says national security minister * 'Super Rich In Korea's' David Yong, accused of multiple offences, allowed to leave Singapore in July * Six endangered fish species found in fish maw from Singapore and Malaysia's stores: Study * Organised crime groups behind in-flight theft cases, says Singapore Police Force * Singapore: Kitten reportedly put in container now adopted, probe underway * Oil prices steadies at the weekend after report of planned OPEC+ August output hike Indonesia: * Indonesian urges safer hiking after tourist death on Mount Rinjanil; Malaysian hiker rescued after suffering injury at same mountain * Women's growing role in drug trade sparks exploitation concerns in Indonesia * Malaysian climber injured in Gunung Rinjani mishap in Indonesia * Malaysia, Indonesia agree Asean unity vital to address global challenges * Anwar, Prabowo, call for broader peace in the Middle East Returning pilgrims receive assistance as they disembark from their aircraft upon arrival at the Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Blang Bintang, Aceh province on Saturday, June 28, 2025, after performing the annual Haj pilgrimage. -- Photo by CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN / AFP Thailand: * Thailand starts banning the sale of cannabis without a prescription * Thai authorities find 620 sacks of cannabis hidden in durian and coconut orchards * Thai PM Paetongtarn faces more heat as thousands of protesters on Saturday demand her resignation over disastrous phone call * Thai protesters call for Prime Minister Paetongtarn's resignation * Thailand to hold trade talks with US next week Philippines: * Philippine prosecutors ask Senate to proceed with Duterte trial; case must go on due to severity of charges * Rising tennis star Eala makes history for Philippines by reaching Eastbourne final * China says Philippines face 'self-inflicted destruction' by hosting US missiles * 6.1-magnitude offshore earthquake hits southern Philippines * Bank on Manila banks -- The Philippine banking sector is on track for solid growth Vietnam: * Former English football star Michael Owen scores twice in Manchester United Legends win against Vietnam * SAR ops saved over 1,000 lives at sea nationwide in 2024, says MMEA * Vietnam Airlines suspends pilots after planes collide at Hanoi airport * UK joins Asean talks on transnational crime for the first time * Vietnam approves resolution to establish international financial centres; move more appealing to international investors Australia's Maya Joint poses with the trophy after beating Philippines' Alexandra Eala in their women's singles final tennis match on day six of the Lexus Eastbourne International tennis tournament in Eastbourne, southern England, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Joint won the match in three sets, 12-10 in a third set tie-break. - Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP Myanmar: * Myanmar marks MSME Day with focus on digitalisation * Myat Yadanar Soe crowned Miss Universe Myanmar 2025 * South Korea praises Malaysia's Asean Chair role in Myanmar crisis * Myanmar burns confiscated drugs worth around US$300 million Cambodia: * Cambodia's ruling party marks 74th founding anniversary on Saturday (June 28) * Asean integration drives development of independent regional financial system, analyst says * Cambodia says it is not and will not be importing electricity from Thailand * Hun Sen: I was betrayed first -- Former Cambodian leaders hits back at Thailand's Thaksin Laos: * China-Laos Railway sees over 10 billion yuan in trade value from Jan-May * Laos faces widespread flooding as rains continue befall country * Laos explores national data centre development to drive digital transformation Brunei: * Brunei crown prince joins new Islamic year prayer * Brunei GDP declines 1.8 per cent in first quarter of 2025 * Brunei leader Sultan Hassanal calls to address challenges of AI era for the future Cricket - Women's Twenty20 International - England v India - Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain - June 28, 2025England's Sophia Dunkley looks dejected after losing her wicket. -- Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers AseanPlus: * One of the most famous faces of football in South-East Asia, Malaysia's evergreen coach K. Rajagobal returns with his book 'Inilah Saya' * Miti supports young entrepreneus through DEFA, Asean SME Academy, says Tengku Zafrul * Legal process must prevail over politics in Sabah mining licence probe, says Masidi * Durian frenzy: 3 tonnes sold in 12 hours at Johor carnival * Tourism Malaysia anticipates boost in Australian visitors with new flight route * KL Sing Song celebrates 20 years with reunion at Merdekarya * New Zealand woman injured after fall at Kanching Waterfall * 'Serious violations': Former head of major Chinese airline under graft investigation * 'Squid Game' star Jo Yu-ri to return as singer next month * Ex-New York official facing China agent charge indicted for kickbacks * Chinese energy firms say Brazil must clarify rules or face loss of investments * Murder suspect's girlfriend charged over abetting his escape from Hong Kong * Hong Kong to hold public hospital executives accountable for medical incidents * Carmakers GM, Tesla and Ford lead list of US companies in China exposure: report * Chinese reporter injured in Ukraine drone attack on Kursk * Americans trying to send Bibles to N. Korea arrested * Trump victorious again as US Supreme Court wraps up its term * Hong Kong sharpens crypto hub focus amid rising global competition * Senior military official Miao Hua purged from top ruling body in China * Flood-hit China expands social security net as extreme rain takes toll * South Korea ex-President Yoon probed over failed martial law bid * 'Problem what problem' - Trump says he will get the conflict solved with North Korea * Ardent Japanese fans bid farewell to four lovable giant pandas as they return to China * Hong Kong woman opens up about life after moment her heart stopped beating * China woman in Ukraine cares for US$140,000 Bengal tiger, shares daily life online * West Bank health crisis deepens as WHO warns of deadly access barriers and critical shortages * Newlyweds Bezos and Sanchez gear up for final party at Venice gala * US says deal with Beijing will expedite rare earth exports from China * Pikachu and Snorlax named Japan's ambassadors to encourage better sleeping habits * Ardent Japanese fans bid farewell to four lovable giant pandas as they return to China * Cricket - Jayasuriya decimates Bangladesh as Sri Lanka win by innings and 78 runs * Cricket - Captain Cummins backs youngster Konstas as Australia cruise to West Indies win * Badminton - Japan's former star Momota returns at Lin Dan Cup * Motor racing - Norris fastest in final Austrian GP practice * Motorcycling - Yamaha's Quartararo pips Ducatis to clinch Dutch Grand Prix pole * Motorcycling - Marquez on cloud nine with ninth sprint victory of season at Dutch GP
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: Appointments in national security institutions should not be politicised
BALING: Appointments to positions within national security institutions should not be turned into political or racial polemics, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said all appointments, including within the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), are made based on strict screening processes that prioritise merit and service discipline, regardless of race or religion. He said that such issues were non-existent during the 1990s, when officers worked in harmony without regard to ethnicity or background. "Recently, when someone was promoted and received two stars, from one to two, it suddenly became an issue. "Speculative comments then followed, suggesting that if this continues, one day Malaysia could even have a Chinese Prime Minister, and so on. "This is the kind of situation we want to avoid in a multiracial country like Malaysia. Not everything should be viewed through a racial lens. "This is especially true for military institutions. They understand the promotion process well, there's the Armed Forces Council, screening, and various procedures involved," he told reporters after visiting the Sabo Dam construction site along the Kupang River basin here today. Previously, the appointment of Datuk Johny Lim Kean Seng as a Lieutenant General in the ATM drew attention after criticism from Sungai Buloh Pas chief Zaharuddin Muhammad in a social media post. DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim had reportedly slammed Zaharuddin's statement, describing it as an insult to the wisdom of the ATM and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Following this, Pas also expressed concern over the remarks and said it was reviewing further action in response to the allegations, which were deemed to undermine racial harmony in the country. Commenting further, Saifuddin said racially charged remarks such as those are dangerous and do not reflect the spirit of unity in a multiracial nation like Malaysia. He also upheld the recent decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, who warned against the use of religion as a political tool to divide the nation. He said the royal reminder clearly reflected His Majesty's concern for national harmony and should serve as guidance to all, regardless of political affiliation. "National unity must always be prioritised, and all parties should stop magnifying racial issues that could jeopardise the country's stability," he said.
