Story by Chan Lilian
EARLY morning of June 28 around 5.58 am, a man on a motorbike wearing a full-faced helmet threw a bloodied cow’s head at the gate of Seri Delima assemblymember RSN Rayer’s home in Island Glades.
Not satisfied with the horrendous act, the man got on his bike which had both registration numbers covered, came down again and danced in a mocking way in front of the CCTV.
In an immediate response, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and exco member Danny Law Heng Kiang rushed over to Rayer’s home around 9 am.
Police and members of the media also arrived at the scene.
A seething Lim said: “This is a barbaric and uncivilised act! We do not deny that historical fact had shown that a previous cow-head incident in Selangor a few years ago was carried out by pro-Umno supporters. However, let me be clear that I am not blaming Umno but the government must take steps to stop this climate of fear and language of violence.”
Lim added: “When you throw a cow head, it is akin to attacking the entire community. Cows are sacred to Hindus. However, I urge the people to face this with strength, determination and to maintain peace and harmony. I ask the people to remain calm.” Rayer said he was disappointed with the act and echoed Lim’s condemnation of it as barbaric and uncivilised. Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh also sent his support to Rayer and said: “We hope action will be taken against the culprits and the police will conduct a thorough investigation. This is a very serious matter with potential of having ugly consequences as it is very sensitive.”
He added: “That’s why we keep coming back to police action. They must be seen to be tough and proactive. In the past, the same very blatant and insensitive acts happened and unfortunately the police were seen to be inactive. I will be highlighting serious issues that the police need to look into where no action, if at all, were taken.”
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Meanwhile, Penang state exco member Jagdeep Singh Deo also expressed his shock at the incident.
In a press conference the next day, Jagdeep labelled the perpetrators as “animals”. “Those people behind them are equally animals! There is no place for such hatred. I call upon all leaders from all parties, irrespective of race and religion, political leanings to stop this racial bigotry. In a progressive Malaysia, we do not want such acts. The police must take firm action. Malaysians must stand united to fight hatred politics.