New Zealand’s deputy leader said on Wednesday he had been urged by colleagues in parliament to tone down his rhetoric but made clear he would not change his approach.“I interrupt the debate by being hyperbolic,” Jones said, adding that immigration would be a key issue in the next election, 1News reported.The remarks were made in an interview with Reality Check Radio regarding the proposed free trade agreement with India.Jones said he would “never… agree to a butter chicken tsunami sweeping New Zealand” and warned the deal could lead to “unrestricted immigration” and put pressure on public services.“I don’t care how much criticism I get,” he said before making the racist remarks, while arguing that immigrants had “a lot of negative impacts.”
Backlash from community and political leaders
The comments drew sharp criticism from Indian community leaders and opposition politicians. Jaspreet Kandari said the comments “failed to meet the standards of public speech” and were upsetting to community members, 1News reported.He clarified that the deal would allow about 5,000 immigrants over three years, calling the numbers “very negligible” and dismissing concerns about mass immigration.Opposition MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan described the comments as “blatantly racist”, while Auckland Indian Association president Shanti Patel said they were “unbelievable”, AFP reported.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also distanced himself, calling the comments “unhelpful” and “alarmist”, although he stopped short of explicitly labeling them racist.The controversy comes as New Zealand prepares to sign a major free trade agreement with India, which the government says is a “once in a generation” opportunity.However, New Zealand First opposes the deal, raising concerns about immigration and economic commitments.Splits within the governing coalition mean the government may need the support of the opposition Labor Party to pass the legislation.
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