People Association accused of alleged racism after misusing wedding photo of a Malay couple

Have you ever thought of chancing upon your wedding photo being used as your neighbourhood decoration?

A wedding photo of a Malay couple was used as a standee for 2021 Hari Raya decorations in Tiong Bahru estate without the permission from the couple. The Bride, Ms Sarah Bagharib, feels that there are glaring gaps that indicate a very superficial understanding of the gravity of the issue. Using a wedding photo as a caricature of Malay community to depict Hari Raya was more than just a copyright infringement issue. It highlights a larger issue affecting the wider Malay and Muslim community.

She has also claimed that the incident perpetuates “racist culture” as the PA’s staff and volunteers did not find anything wrong with the standee as they might be “blind to racism”.

Although PA, Member of Parliament Melvin Yong, Minister Edwin Tong acknowledged that the incident was insensitive, PA has refuted the claims of racism in Singapore as it was an isolated incident with no ground and proper basis.

In a small country like Singapore, should an allegation of racism be brought up easily without proper ground and basis? This could easily stoke emotions and sentiments from the public which may act as a threat to our harmonious society with different races and religions.

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