Former policeman A. Selvaduray is seeking justice against a former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia politician who had posted a racist remark against his daughter, national shuttler S. Kisona, while she was representing Malaysia in the Sudirman Cup.
Selvaduray said he and his family were “deeply affected” by the racial slur, right after Kisona lost her match against world No. 5 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, in the semi-final clash.
“It was directed at my daughter. We all felt it, our friends felt it, too. The entire Indian community in Malaysia is affected by it,” said Selvaduray, a former sergeant major based at the Negeri Sembilan contingent police headquarters.
“Kisona has achieved a lot under the Badminton Association of Malaysia. To make such a judgment against her based on one match, is unfair.”
In the police report sighted by Twentytwo13, Selvaduray said Facebook user Borhan Che Rahim’s posting, was racist and had insulted his daughter, causing her to feel ashamed and stressed. Selvaduray had called for the individual to be investigated.
Selvaduray lodged the police report at the Jalan Campbell police station in Seremban at 4.36pm.
Borhanuddin Che Rahim, a Bersatu divisional leader from Kelantan, had issued a public apology and had resigned from his position following the episode.
“My daughter is playing for Malaysia, not for herself. There’s no race involved. It’s the same with all the other sports.
“Athletes are chosen because they are the best, not based on their skin colour. My daughter was chosen (to play in the Sudirman Cup) because she is good.”
Kisona, a product of the Bukit Jalil Sports School, won bronze in the 2012 Asian Junior Championship, and the 2013 Asian Youth Games.
At the 2019 Manila SEA Games, she won the gold medal, while Lee Zii Jia, won the men’s singles title – the first time in 46 years Malaysia had won both the men’s and women’s SEA Games badminton singles titles.
“The achievement (in Manila) was for Malaysia. It wasn’t for any particular race.”
“I have many Malay friends. Her coaches were Malays. In BAM, she had Malay, Chinese and Indonesian coaches. They all helped her.
“I seek justice and I hope the police will investigate this matter,” he added.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker had earlier told Twentytwo13 there were sufficient laws to safeguard the safety and harmony of the nation.
“The authorities and enforcement agencies, however, must enforce these laws,” said Ti.
