KUCHING: Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has spoken out against the racial abuse directed toward Tommy Mawat Bada, a footballer from Belaga representing Perak FC in the Malaysia Super League. The incident occurred after a heated on-field exchange between Tommy and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player Arif Aiman Hanapi, sparking intense public debate on racial sensitivity in Malaysian sports.
During a media session at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Abdul Karim condemned the racial remarks, urging Malaysians to engage responsibly on social media. He emphasized that criticism, whether aimed at Malay, Dayak, Chinese, or any other ethnic group, could harm the nation’s unity and social harmony.
“We are a multicultural society, and insulting someone based on their ethnicity only damages our national peace,” Abdul Karim stated. “Let’s avoid using racial terms that divide rather than unite us.”
Tommy, taking to Instagram in response to the racially charged comments, expressed disappointment and reminded his followers that while everyone has the right to their opinion, criticism should never be personal or racial. “If you’re upset, there’s no need to bring in my race or family,” he wrote. “I was born Dayak and am proud of it. We’re all human, and our backgrounds should be respected.”
He continued, warning those making derogatory comments to consider the impact of their words on others. “Do not Dayak, Dayak me. Think of how other Dayakians might feel reading those comments,” Tommy added, concluding his post with a call for unity among football fans.
The minister highlighted that while freedom of expression is a right, it must be exercised with responsibility, especially in Malaysia’s multiracial context. He warned that ethnic-based criticisms could lead to resentment and misunderstanding among communities, threatening the nation’s unity.
“When we use language like ‘this Malay,’ ‘this Dayak,’ or ‘this Chinese’ to criticize, it arouses negative sentiments within communities,” Abdul Karim added, reiterating the importance of harmony in a diverse society.
Perak FC also issued a statement in support of Tommy, denouncing any form of discrimination. “Football should unite us, not divide us. Racism has no place in sports,” the club declared on its Facebook page, stressing that football should be a source of unity rather than conflict.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has since announced it will investigate the incident, aiming to maintain the spirit of respect and unity in Malaysian football.