Sabah election: ‘If you don’t vote BN, you are stupid!’ – Really, Najib?

To label voters as “stupid” just because they don’t vote for BN is simply not on, JD Lovrenciear writes.

Watch the video above to see the former prime minister, now a convict, bellow: “Kalau tak undi BN – palui!” – in English, “If you don’t vote BN, (you are) stupid!”

Najib, on the Sabah state election campaign trail, was speaking at Kampung Sembulan Lama within the Tanjung Aru constituency on the night of 18 September. (The words are uttered at point 9:10 during his full speech, posted on his Facebook page.)

Isn’t this a great insult to the people of this country?

To use the word stupid on people is degrading – anywhere in the world. To label voters as “stupid’ for not voting a particular party makes a mockery of their basic right to freely vote for the party of their choice.

Are such insults on the election campaign trail supposed to be dismissed with a smile or light banter?

People should decide what action to take against leaders who think they have the moral high ground and licence to talk down to people in any way they please.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

Support our work by making a donation. Tap to download the QR code below and scan this QR code from Gallery by using TnG e-wallet or most banking apps: