Paul Henry lives in colonial times

Labour associate Ethnic Affairs spokesperson Dr Ashraf Choudhary says TVNZ Breakfast host Paul Henry lives in colonial times.

“Our airwaves can do without people like him,” Ashraf Choudhary said. “Racism has no place in New Zealand and he needs to do the honourable thing and resign.

“TVNZ has made the right decision in taking action against Paul Henry in response to his offensive comments about Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, but two weeks without pay is a slap on the wrist compared to the offense he has caused among ethnic communities,” Dr Choudhary said.

“Prime Minister John Key told the media on Monday that he cannot ‘be held personally responsible for what comes out of Paul Henry’s mouth’, yet as Prime Minister he should take a firmer stand when people make racist comments.

“Many people in ethnic communities are highly upset about Mr Key’s soft approach,” Dr Choudhary said.

“Earlier in the month Land Information and Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson went completely over the top in making offensive and totally uncalled for slurs on New Zealand Muslims, but Mr Key excused his minister’s behaviour by calling it a joke.

“John Key needs to be held responsible for down-playing racist comments by his current and former National Party colleagues,” Dr Choudhary said.

“The ethnic community should make their complaints known to TVNZ and John Key for their failure to react seriously to racist comments.”

ENDS

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