Questioning Humza Yusaf's competence is 'racist', says SNP MSP

Scottish MP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast stated that Mr. Yousaf «had to go further to be taken seriously». because of his ethnicity. Photo: Ken Jack/Getty Images

People who question the competence of the new First Minister of Scotland, calling him 'useless', are racists, said SNP MSP member.

Karen Adam, who loudly supported the successful Humza Yusuf's attempt to replace Nicola Sturgeon, stated that he had already been subjected to «extremely disgusting racist clichés.»

Mr. Yousaf's critics, including those in the SNP, have expressed doubts about his ability to be a successful first minister after what they see as a string of failures in less responsible ministerial posts.

Mr. Yousaf is regularly described by opposition politicians . as «incompetent» or «useless», pointing to problems such as the deepening crisis in the Scottish National Health Service, which he led before he became first minister last week.

However, in her column in the pro-independence newspaper The National, Ms Adam said the new First Minister has been unfairly criticized since he announced his bid for leadership because of the color of his skin.

< p> Comments caused a storm of emotions. a horse racing scandal in Scotland when the Tories accused MSP of 'ridiculous' accusations when the attacks were based only on Mr Yousaf's 'deplorable record'.

Ms Adam wrote that Mr Yusuf «had to go further and longer to be taken seriously» because of his ethnicity, just like the Scots had to «constantly prove to the British establishment and skeptics that we are good enough» . /p> Ms. Adams said she feared 'the misogyny Nicola suffered' «now moved to racism towards Humza». Photo: Michal Vacucik/PA Wire

“The racist clichés used against him were absolutely disgusting,” she said. “I don't mind scrutinizing people, especially in public positions, but the level of racism and total ignorance was astounding.

«Just to be clear, calling someone lazy who clearly isn't, who has worked in one of the toughest positions in government and in many ways excelled in those areas, is racist.»< /p>

«Terminology is used by racists to constantly slander ethnic minorities as being 'lazy' or 'useless'.»

Ms. Adam called on «white allies» to «respond» to the attacks on Mr. Yusuf, saying she feared that «the misogyny that Nikola endured» has «now turned into racism against Humza.»

She added: «It's really evil that Humza had to endure this racism and I'm sure he's experienced the worst many times in his life, so with his attitude, I hope we can focus on solving this problem.

Opponents insisted that the attacks on Mr. Yousaf, who was born in Glasgow to Pakistani and Kenyan immigrants, were based on his work in public office.

Some of Holyrood's politicians and commentators have dubbed him 'Humza the Useless'.

New data was released on Tuesday showing that cancer wait times in Scotland had fallen to the worst levels at the time. both delayed discharges and emergency room rates were also desperate.

Deadly Mess

Labor claimed that the former health secretary left Michael Matheson, whom he named as his successor, with a «death mess». offensive.

«As someone who knows exactly what it's like to experience racism, I'm shocked and disappointed that Karen Adam is making these allegations so flippantly,» she said.

«Humza Yusuf's critics take note of his dismal track record in every ministerial portfolio he has held and wonder why that makes him a good fit for the top job.

«Humza Yusaf has faced the same criticism over the years before he became first minister — racism has absolutely nothing to do with it.

“Karen Adam would do well to remember that this kind of attack was also subjected to him by his rivals in leadership during the campaign, and not only from the opposition, which makes her statements even more ridiculous.

Ms. Adam's newspaper column was published a day after it was revealed that an innocent woman had been prosecuted for a hate crime after MSP erroneously claimed that gender-critical activists attempted to harass her by prescribing «malicious» bikini wax.

In December, she called the police over an unsolicited encounter that officers concluded she was notified of as a result of an «administrative error.»< /p>