BREAKING: Liberal Candidate Karen Wang Resigns After Making Racist Political Appeal Against Jagmeet Singh

Wang had used the Chinese platform WeChat to say people should vote for her as the “only” Chinese candidate, instead of voting for Singh because of his “Indian descent.”

Liberal candidate Karen Wang – running in the Burnaby South by-election – is stepping down.

While Wang is saying she decided to step down, it’s pretty clear that the party told her to go after she made a racist appeal against NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

Using the Chinese social media app WeChat, Wang made an explicit appeal to her race as the reason to vote for her, while also mentioning Jagmeet Singh’s background.

Here’s what Wang had said in Chinese:

“If we can increase the voting rate, as the only Chinese candidate in this riding, if I can garner 16,000 votes I will easily win the byelection, control the election race and make history! My opponent in this byelection is the NDP candidate Singh of Indian descent!”

Wang was slammed by people across the political spectrum, including former Liberal strategist Warren Kinsella:

“Suggesting that your race is superior to your opponent’s race should disqualify you from running for Parliament. Will the #LPC get rid of their race-baiting candidate in #BurnabySouth? #cdnpoli #ndp”

In a statement, the Liberals said “The Liberal Party has a clear commitment to positive politics and support for Canadian diversity, and the same is always expected of our candidates.”

NDP MP Nathan Cullen slammed the Liberals:

“Trudeau needs to condemn the comments made by his candidate in the Burnaby South by-election.

His candidate made a blatant & distasteful pitch to voters based on her racial background & against Jagmeet Singh, based on his. Show some leadership Justin.”

Wang’s outrageous and racist comments totally disqualified her as a candidate, and the Liberals would have faced a mounting backlash unless they removed her quickly.

Her departure from the campaign now leaves the door wide-open for Jagmeet Singh to get a seat in Parliament, though the Liberals may still choose to run somebody else.

Spencer Fernando

Photo – Twitter