I remember reading the book 'Malaysian politicians say the darndest things' by writer and filmmaker Amir Muhammad in 2007 and couldn't help laughing at every single page turn.
If we read the newspapers on a regular basis back then, we already knew that our local politicians had a knack for putting their own feet in the mouths.
But reading all the bumbling statements they made in one compiled volume just exaggerated the ridiculousness of it all (Amir even came up with a second volume in 2009).
And then came last weekend when I read in the news a story about one of our Cabinet ministers commenting about the Rohingya human trafficking camps in Perlis.
According to the report, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Shahidan Kassim had said the camps in the forest bordering Thailand should be made into tourist attractions.
Apparently, it is so beautiful there that he instructed the police not to demolish the camps that were built because they were 'full fledged, complete with prayer facilities'.
I couldn't believe the words I was reading that my instant thought was that the reporter and editors were probably sensationalising things and the quote was taken out of context.
The hope was that the minister would come out the next day furious that he had been misquoted and he would continue to explain what he really meant.
But nothing of that sort happened. It didn't happen on Monday, not on Tuesday, and neither did it happen on Wednesday. Today is Thursday and I doubt that is going to happen today either.
I have always had this feeling that a majority of Malaysians seem to be very apathetic, and even insensitive, towards people who aren't their own.
Just look at how we always treat foreign immigrants who come from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal and wherever else with disdain and disrespect.
And so what the minister said with regards to these camps where hundreds and maybe thousands were rounded up like cattle, tortured and even killed just makes me feel validated.
I guess the minister was probably thinking of tourist attractions like the Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz or the Killing Fields in Cambodia.
These are places where atrociously horrible things happened and are now being preserved so we will never forget and to always have history in our minds.
There is nothing wrong with that. But the way the minister said it and the timing of it is just off. The investigation hasn't been concluded and it is just too soon.
And then, he goes on to say that these structures in the human trafficking camps were built with 'expertise' and are too good to have been built by Malaysians, unless they were communists.
Wait! Is he saying that he has faith in Malaysians in that they would never do such atrocities? Or is he disregarding Malaysians because they couldn't have been good enough to build?
Maybe Amir could start thinking of compiling a third volume. As we can see, Malaysian politicians can really say the darndest things. He definitely wouldn't be lacking content.
Zan Azlee
Thu Jun 04 2015
Is it insensitive for a Cabinet minister to say that the human trafficking camps in Perlis should be made into tourist attractions? - FIlepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.