Information,Communication and culture Minister,Datuk Rais Yatim advised the
media to use the name "selema babi" (swine flu) instead of A(H1N1) influenza. He
explained that it is because he worried that the RTM news readers may find
difficulty in reading A(H1N1) influenza accurately hence conveying the wrong
message to the public. Since when it is misleading to use the right name and
since when it is accurate to use a misleading name? I wonder based on what study
and statistics Datuk Rais concludes that the news readers are more proficient in
saying babi than saying A(H1N1)? As a minister he has the power and
responsibility to send any staff in his ministry to go for retraining if he
thinks that his performance is questionable, not by insulting them in the
public. He further added that,by simply saying the word "babi" it will instill
fears in the public and they will be more careful. What kind of logic is that?
Is pig so fearful in the eyes of the Malaysians? Why must he involve the poor
animal in the first place? What will happen if the public is made to believe
that A(H1N1) influenza is connected to pigs, everybody will stop eating pork
(poor pork hawkers!) then feel very safe and hence do not take the proper
precautions laid down by the health authority? Chaos will reign man!
