'Be anak jantan, use real names' – Utusan reader tells Mkini readers

A reader's letter published in Utusan Malaysia has taken a swipe at readers of Malaysiakini for hiding behind pseudonyms to spew critical remarks in the comments section.

Ironically, the letter in the Malay daily was also penned by someone using a pseudonym - Sila Meninggal from Gombak, Selangor.

The letter was in response to the comments in a Feb 4 Malaysianskini article on Dr Wan Wardatul Amani Wan Salim, who was the first Malaysian to launch a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) satellite to space. 

The writer noted how Malaysiakini readers were critical of Wan Wardatul's decision to return to Malaysia.

“Although heading a satellite research unit in Nasa, Wan Wardatu's qualification was 'challenged' (dicabar) just because of her race and religion, to the point that some called her saintis kampung.

“There was also no shortage of those who attempted to link her success to discrimination (in relation) to the special position of the bumiputera as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

“Ironically, I am certain that those who sought to belittle the success of this anak Melayu are not proficient in the national language and did not even sit for the SPM examination, rendering them ineligible to enrol in local public universities,” the writer said.

The writer said there were also those who praised Wan Wardatul (photo) but advised her to remain in Nasa and ignore Malaysia, which is purportedly “ailing and bankrupt”.

The writer accused these commentators of wanting to sow hatred towards anything related to the Malays or Islam, but pointed out that their views do not represent the majority of Malaysians.

Malaysiakini was also taken to task for “washing its hands” with regard to not vetting the “racist comments” and for not requiring commentators to reveal their true identities.

“This group practices an extreme form of political understanding by promoting hatred towards Malay leaders but at the same time, has crossed the line and courted the anger of Malays,” read the letter.

The writer said the achievements of all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, must be celebrated.

“If there is hatred towards the people of your own country, it is best to look for a different country which suits your taste.

“At least be an anak jantan (man enough) and use your real names when making 'spicy and hot' (pedas dan panas) comments,” added the writer.