KUCHING: Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri denies making a derogatory statement which has gone viral in social media.
She said that she never uttered “Bumiputera will steal if not helped by the government” which went viral in Facebook and WhatsApp Group.
“The allegation is very unwise since I, as a Sarawakian MP, have been taught to not label anyone especially the Bumiputera. I can swear that I have never said anything like that,” she told reporters after a casual dinner with the media here on Saturday.
Nancy noted it was not the first time that the issue was brought up as it first appeared in 2013. She said the same issue was repeated over the years especially when election was around the corner.
The Batang Sadong MP opined that the reason why the same issue was brought up was not only to create hatred towards her, but also meant to raise tension among Sarawakians.
“I am a Bumiputera myself, so how can I say such a thing? My voters are also mostly Bumiputera. Those who knew me would know that I won’t say such thing.
“We (the government) do not care whether you are a Bumiputera or not, we work for everybody. I believe Sarawakians can see this through everything we have done,” she said.
She reminded Sarawakians to not fall for such fake news which were meant to cause friction and disunite the people.
“Sarawak is known as the best role model for unity as it has high tolerance in terms of unity and racial harmony. Even the West Malaysians acknowledge that.
“If you want to see the best implementation of One Malaysia and harmony among multiracial people, you can go to Sarawak. You want to see the best hospitality; you go to Sarawak. So now you want to destroy this unity?” she questioned.
She pointed out that the ruse was rather unwise and unintelligent as there was also no proof of her making such statement.
Nancy also said that she and her team were investigating the case and hoped to get justice on the matter.
