Read the proverb, Dr Khir tells Subramaniam

(The Malay Mail) – FORMER Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has laughed off a police report lodged against him for labelling cows as stupid animals.

He said all Malaysians, whether in rural or urban areas, regardless of race know the Malay proverb! “as stupid as a cow” well.

Dr Khir was asked to comment on a police report by MIC Youth Social and Charity Bureau chief S. Subramaniam for allegedly labelling cows as “stupid” animals.

Two online news portals quoted the former Selangor menteri besar as saying so in defending the infamous “cow head” demonstration by residents of Section 23, Shah Alam.

“Subramaniam should read the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka dictionary on this proverb to understand its meaning.

“It is not a direct or literal translation as what he thinks,” he said. “The proverb is accepted in Malaysian life and it has nothing to do with running down any race, nor is it derogatory.

“For Subramaniam’s knowledge, the Malays have never used cows to insult Indians or any religion,” he said.

Subramaniam, who lodged the report at Sentul police headquarters, said Dr Khir’s comments could disturb the racial harmony of the country as it had created an uproar among the Hindu community.

Dr Khir said the cow’s head used in the protest was a mere symbol to reflect the stupidity of the current Selangor government.

“It is not related to Indians and the Malays know this. I think even other non-Malays know this and the Dewan Bahasa dictionary explains its meaning.

“If Subramaniam is using this to make himself popular I do not know, but I am not going to debate this matter further. “I will also not withdraw my statement,” he said.