IPOH: No one should be mocked for their race, religion and skin colour, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

       “Those who are fighting for the country don't deserve to be mocked like this," the Youth and Sports Minister said of a racist comment made by a Facebook user against national badminton player S. Kisona.

       “Although we are all 'Keluarga Malaysia', there are some who make bangang (idiotic) comments using harsh words.

       "It’s like a bunch of bananas, there will be good ones and rotten ones,” he told reporters at Manjoi here on Sunday (Oct 3).

       Kisona was part of the Malaysian badminton team who made it to the Sudirman Cup semi-finals on Saturday (Oct 2).

       Separately, Ahmad Faizal said the decision to sell Istana Raja Muda Perak in Teluk Intan was not his alone.

       “When I was Perak mentri besar, the state executive council discussed the matter and did not receive any objections from anyone.

       "We also didn’t receive any objections from the public and so we proceeded with it.

       “However, I agree that the palace shouldn’t be demolished but instead be taken care of as it is a historical building,” he said.

       “What needs to be done is (for) the area around the palace. There should be economic activities that can give job opportunities to others while maintaining the building,” he added.

       On Sept 14, a Twitter user with the handle @FaktaBukanAuta claimed that the palace, which was built in 1922, would be demolished after it was auctioned off earlier.

       On another matter, Faizal said he would work harder as Tambun MP after Perak PKR chairman Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak announced his plan to contest against him.

       “The one who wanted to contest against me is someone who I feel has the potential to be a prime minister, therefore I can’t take this matter lightly and will work harder so I can still get elected.

       “At the moment, with the energy and the position I have, I hope I can continue to serve the people of both Tambun and Chenderiang,” he said.

       On Sept 25, Farhash Wafa Salvador confirmed his intention to contest in Tambun in the next general election.

       He is also said to be eyeing the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat held by Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid.