A former aide to Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong has apologised after mocking a convenience store worker over her decision to vote for Barisan Nasional in the recent Johor state election.
In the post, Terrence Tey said he had acted out of “excessive emotion” when he uploaded the remark, which later sparked widespread criticism online.
Mocked worker over her voting choice
According to TRP, the controversy began after Terrence uploaded an Instagram story on July 12 shortly after the election results were announced.
In the post, he said he had visited a convenience store at around 1am to buy instant noodles, where he claimed a worker on the night shift told him she had voted for BN candidate P. Pannir Selvam.
Terrence then mocked her by writing: “No wonder you’re working at convenience store.”
Screenshots of the post circulated widely online before it was deleted and it drew backlash from netizens, who accused Terrence of looking down on retail workers and insulting a voter for exercising her right to choose a candidate.
Pannir, an MIC candidate contesting under the BN banner, defeated DAP candidate Alan Tee Boon Tsong for the Perling seat, which was previously held by Liew.
Acted out of “excessive emotion”
In an apology statement, Terrence admitted that his Instagram story was a serious mistake.
He said he had acted according to “excessive emotion” when uploading the remark.
Terrence also maintained that he did not intend to belittle or insult the worker involved, or any other retail employee earning an honest living.
He acknowledged that his actions went against the values of harmony, mutual respect and unity promoted under the Muafakat Johor principle.
Terrence also said that as someone who had previously served the community, he should have displayed greater professionalism.
“With humility and deep regret, I offer my sincerest apologies to the employee whose feelings I hurt, as well as all retail workers affected by my statement,” he said.
No longer worked at Perling office
Terrence also clarified that his last day at Liew’s office was on July 10, two days before the the Instagram story was uploaded.
He added the statement was made entirely in his personal capacity and did not represent the position of Liew or his office.
Terrence ended his apology by saying he accepted the incident as a lesson and would work towards becoming a more mature and responsible person in the future.
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