Syed Saddiq’s TikTok Video To Spread Awareness About Racism Gets Mixed Reactions From Malaysians

Syed Saddiq recently uploaded a TikTok video on 16 November, titled “Things you don’t say to Indians” where it features different people giving examples of offensive and inappropriate phrases some Indians often hear.

“Don’t let the apuneneh (racial slur) catch you.”

“Eh, balik India lah.”
“Go back to India.”

“Pakailah bedak, gelap tak nampak.”
“Put on some powder, your skin is too dark.”

“Ohh India, gangster lah.”
“Ohh you’re an Indian? You must be a gangster.”

Kita semua rakyat Malaysia. We can be better and do better ???? pic.twitter.com/Zo4ZniXMaI

— Syed Saddiq ??? (@SyedSaddiq) November 16, 2020

These phrases were some of the examples Syed Saddiq had used in the video, but what he intended to spread awareness on racism in Malaysians didn’t sit well with some netizens who pointed out that he too, was being insensitive.

• “Sorry YB. When you do this, you are just as racist. This Deepavali season we celebrate diversity, we don’t fan the flame.”
• “After this can you also make an awareness video for ‘mandarin speakers only?'”
• “Lol. It’s not necessary to bring this up on Deepavali, pick another date!”
• “In my opinion, this video is improper and uncalled for. You are asking people not to say those derogatory terms by saying it here in social media. I am wondering if there could be any difference between you and those ill mannered people, please don’t get offended.”
• “Majority of people in the MUDA party are Indian, that’s why.”

However, there were also many others who didn’t see an issue with the video and understood the intentions behind it.

• “Highlighting racism and prejudice is not ‘playing the racial card’ la. These racial remarks exist, so kudos to Syed Saddiq and the team for taking them on.”
• “I am not sure how asking for Malaysians to stop making racially derogatory comments, which let’s face it, happens in Malaysia, is stirring racial sentiments.”
• “Awesome message for all Malaysians. Hope it reaches all the whiny naysayers, quite a few who are commenting right here.”
• “Check the replies. All the top replies will be about why he hasn’t done one for Chinese/Malays. Don’t understand how grown people still have the mentality that addressing one problem = ignoring everything else.”

Well, what do you think of Syed Saddiq’s video? Let us know in the comments below!

Also read: “Don’t give so many excuses” Syed Saddiq Questions Why Budget 2021 Session Not Held Virtually