A seasoned political commentator criticized newly elected independent MP Dai Le for wearing a traditional Vietnamese attire emblazoned with the Australian flag in her inaugural speech.
On Tuesday, left-leaning political commentator and former Channel 10 political editor Paul Bongiorno described Ms. Le’s attire and portions of her first speech as “just terrible.”
“Independent Dai Le detracts from a heart-wrenching First Speech about refugee survival by donning an Australian flag and advocating an end to Communist repression.” Simply reprehensible,’ he tweeted.
Dai Le (left) wore a clothing that screamed louder than her words at her first speech, prompting political journalist Paul Bongiorno to criticise her.
However, his opinions were swiftly refuted by Twitter users defending Ms. Le.
Respect is demonstrated by her wearing her traditional ao dai and expressing gratitude to our country for accepting her family and providing them with a new life. One Twitter user remarked, “It was an impressive debut speech.”
Another replied, “The only thing disgusting here is your attitude toward our country and people who love it.”
Veteran political writer Paul Bongiorno (pictured) criticized the Independent MP on Twitter, stating that her attire’marred’ her debut speech.
In an interview with Radio 3AW morning host Neil Mitchell, Ms. Le brushed off criticism, stating that the garment was a tribute to her ancestry and love for Australia.
She added, “As an Australian of Vietnamese descent, I felt it was such a big time for me to speak on behalf of my community that I wanted to express how pleased I am to be an Australian.”
“There are individuals who are attacking me, I’m wearing a Vietnamese traditional garment covered in an Australian flag, and I wanted to share my story.”
When asked if she thought wearing the dress was disrespectful, Ms. Le defended her decision.
He attacked the newly elected representative on social media.
She replied, “I don’t think it’s insulting; in fact, it’s the contrary; it’s actually showing respect to Australia.”
“I simply wore it in the house, the people’s house, and I do not believe I did it out of disrespect.”
Ms. Le characterized the flag as a second chance at life for her family when they were forced to evacuate Vietnam in April 1975 during the Fall of Saigon.
Ms. Le (right) refuted the criticism, stating that her choice was motivated by her love for Australia.
“Australia means so lot to me because… It is my home, she declared.
Ms. Le described the perilous voyage she and her family endured en route to Australia during her Monday speech.
“I recall sprinting with my mother and two younger sisters, pushing through the cries and screams of women and children in order to board a boat. She stated, “I had no concept what was occurring.”
The member for Fowler wore the garment for her first address, in which she described the perilous journey she and her family endured when they escaped Vietnam.
“All I can recall are the cries, the terror, the confusion, and the moment on the boat when I turned around to look back at my native country in an attempt to comprehend what was happening and saw nothing but large, black smoke in the distance.”
When a severe storm struck our boat, I was certain we were going to perish.
Ms. Le made history in the May election when she defeated longtime Labor senator Kristina Keneally and won the Fowler seat in southwest Sydney.
Monday’s stirring parliamentary address by Ms. Le was met with a standing ovation and the admiration of her colleagues.
Prior to Chris Hayes’ retirement in 2022, Fowler was a safe Labor seat and had been held for 12 years by a strong margin by Labor MP Chris Hayes.
After her thrilling maiden speech, a massive throng in the gallery gave her a standing ovation and screamed her name, including many Vietnamese in traditional attire.
To congratulate her, a lengthy line of legislators, including opposition leader Peter Dutton and prime minister Anthony Albanese, formed.