Perak FC left defender Tommy Mawat Bada boldly confronted social media trolls targeting him with racist comments after an intense match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player Arif Aiman Hanapi.
29-year-old from Belaga, Tommy took to Instagram to encourage his critics to engage in respectful discourse, reminding them not to involve their family and ethnicity in their remarks.
“Everyone has the right to express their opinion. You have the right to express your frustration, offer criticism, or even nitpick a little—no problem with that. We are just human beings sharing this planet,” he articulated.
Tommy did not shy away from addressing racial slurs aimed at his Dayak heritage, proudly declaring his ancestry.
“Yes, I am Dayak by birth. I am proud of it every day.
So, dear friends, please—please put racial issues aside… Do not look down on me or my ethnicity. What would happen if other Dayakians came across your comments? Could you really face them? “, he stressed.
The incident which sparked these comments saw Tommy and Arif both receive a yellow card from referee Razlan Joffri Ali, with some, including JDT owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, suggesting both players should have received red cards instead.
The Football Federation of Malaysia is currently looking into the matter.
In conclusion, Tommy urged his critics to stop behaving like clowns and racists, saying: “God bless you, thank you, and don’t fuel hatred in football. »
Having joined Perak FC in December 2023 on a contract that extends until May next year, Tommy has previously suited up for Negeri Sembilan FC, Sabah and Kuching City, among others. He also showed his talent in Malaysia’s national under-23 team during the 2018 Asian Games.
