(Miri, 28 April) — Miri Member of Parliament Chiew Choon Man today issued a statement strongly rebuking American commentator Bill O’Reilly for his disparaging remarks against Malaysia, asserting that Malaysia’s resilience and confidence will not be shaken by baseless mockery.
Chiew pointed out that when a commentator describes a vibrant nation like Malaysia as “barely eating” or unable to “afford a small hat,” it exposes more about his own narrow worldview than the reality of Malaysia. He condemned the remarks as factually wrong and steeped in outdated, colonial-style mockery.
He emphasized that such attitudes contradict the values that once earned the United States global admiration. George Washington called on the young republic to “observe good faith and justice toward all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all,” while Thomas Jefferson named “peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations” as essential principles of good governance. True strength, Chiew said, is measured by respect for others, not by insult.
Chiew further noted that throughout American history, from its founding to countless humanitarian missions, the consistent lesson is that American greatness lies in respecting, not belittling, others. He cited American cultural icons such as Bruce Wayne, who uses his wealth to protect the vulnerable, and Captain America, who stands against bullies, embodying the spirit that "with great power comes great responsibility."
“Every nation has voices that stray from its highest values, and Mr. O'Reilly is one of them,” Chiew stated. “He does not speak for the American people, the nation’s founding principles, or the millions of U.S. citizens who work alongside Malaysians in business, education, and humanitarian efforts.”
Chiew called upon fair-minded Americans to reject rhetoric that demeans human dignity and undermines the best of America’s character. He asserted that Malaysia remains resilient, creative, and outward-looking, responding to prejudice with composure and confidence.
“We extend to Mr. O’Reilly the courtesy he denied us: may he one day replace ridicule with reflection and realize that the world he imagines is one of partners and friends.”
Chiew concluded by emphasizing that dignity is indivisible. "Whoever drags another people’s dignity through the mud only diminishes his own. Malaysians choose the higher road—a path long mapped out by the very founders and heroes of the United States."
Chiew pointed out that when a commentator describes a vibrant nation like Malaysia as “barely eating” or unable to “afford a small hat,” it exposes more about his own narrow worldview than the reality of Malaysia. He condemned the remarks as factually wrong and steeped in outdated, colonial-style mockery.
He emphasized that such attitudes contradict the values that once earned the United States global admiration. George Washington called on the young republic to “observe good faith and justice toward all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all,” while Thomas Jefferson named “peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations” as essential principles of good governance. True strength, Chiew said, is measured by respect for others, not by insult.
Chiew further noted that throughout American history, from its founding to countless humanitarian missions, the consistent lesson is that American greatness lies in respecting, not belittling, others. He cited American cultural icons such as Bruce Wayne, who uses his wealth to protect the vulnerable, and Captain America, who stands against bullies, embodying the spirit that "with great power comes great responsibility."
“Every nation has voices that stray from its highest values, and Mr. O'Reilly is one of them,” Chiew stated. “He does not speak for the American people, the nation’s founding principles, or the millions of U.S. citizens who work alongside Malaysians in business, education, and humanitarian efforts.”
Chiew called upon fair-minded Americans to reject rhetoric that demeans human dignity and undermines the best of America’s character. He asserted that Malaysia remains resilient, creative, and outward-looking, responding to prejudice with composure and confidence.
“We extend to Mr. O’Reilly the courtesy he denied us: may he one day replace ridicule with reflection and realize that the world he imagines is one of partners and friends.”
Chiew concluded by emphasizing that dignity is indivisible. "Whoever drags another people’s dignity through the mud only diminishes his own. Malaysians choose the higher road—a path long mapped out by the very founders and heroes of the United States."