If the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard is not prepared to denounce the xenophobic speech of the Queensland Independent Member of Parliament, Pauline Hanson in the Australian Parliament on Sept. 10 and anti-Asian outbursts continue unabated in various parts of Australia, Asians may have to consider whether it is safe for them to participate and attend the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
It has already been reported that Asians have cancelled their tours to Australia as nobody would want to be at the receiving end of racial abuses and attacks when they visit Australia, as had happened to Singapore soldiers who are in training in Australia.
In fact, the anti-Asian xenophobic outbursts as a result of Hanson’s speech would definitely be one big point against Melbourne’s bid to host the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
It would indeed be a great pity if by his silence and insensitivity to Asian feelings, particularly in view of his past anti-immigration record and campaign, John Howard is prepared to allow Australia’s links to Asia to be damaged beyond repair.
(2/11/96)