Recently, the internet was abuzz when Communications and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin accused a Sabahan student for making up the story about her taking her exam on a tree in the parliament.
Long story short, Veveonah Mosibin did in fact tell the truth and this was backed by her fellow coursemates and teachers.
Zahidi eventually apologised for the blunder and admitted that he was “misinformed” by his source. And today, we finally find out who this controversial source is.
Blame game?
According to the Malay Mail, Zahidi revealed that the information was conveyed to him by Kudat MP, Abdul Rahim Bakri, who is also the Deputy Finance Minister.
The MP said she was not sitting for her exams when she filmed the video of her sitting on top of a tree trying to find better internet coverage.
Interestingly, now Abdul Rahim says that he got his info from Veveonah’s lecturer.
“We were informed that Veveonah had no exam on that day. The information the MP got was from her lecturer, who is a professor.
“Why would the MP lie? So we just believed in the information provided,” Zahidi told a press conference at the Parliament.
Seeking the truth
After apologising to Veveonah, or also known as Veve, Zahidi says he will be travelling to Universiti Malaysia Sabah to meet the lecturer, staff and Veneonah to clear things up.
“If we find that the information was wrong, we apologise ... the lecturer should not have given incorrect information.
“But if it is the opposite, then perhaps it is a misunderstanding... so the issue should not be politicised,” he said.
Despite the apology, netizens aren’t too pleased with how the matter is being managed and how it has turned out to be a finger-pointing fest.
Which is the worst?
— Dr Khor SK (@DrKhorSK) September 7, 2020
1. Powerful man calling a young woman a liar.
2. Getting facts wrong.
3. Blaming his colleague.
4. Day-job is in Comms.
5. Still wanting to check Veveonah's exam status.
6. Ignoring the main problem: low Net access in Sabah.https://t.co/TC8v0LOt8j
Veveonah’s hair has more class and integrity than this man. https://t.co/59mrr6lakU
— Kapten Kahan (@zarakahan) September 7, 2020
Why can’t the Minister just apologize sincerely & humbly still blaming others what was intention to speak about her in Parlimemt #bully mentality so unbecoming - #veveonah https://t.co/oLLvrVj4fT
— happycha2⁷ ? (@alissafitri1) September 7, 2020
Gigih ya MP Kudat ni pegi cek status exam Veveonah. Padahal tu bukan masalah utama dalam isu ni. Jan jua pemikiran atu sampit banar liau. https://t.co/zjbOe4H3Ly
— mimi (@mxxisy) September 7, 2020
Isu Veveonah Mosibin:
— Fahmi Fadzil (@fahmi_fadzil) September 7, 2020
Kisah salah menyalah Timbalan Menteri Komunikasi dan Ahli Parlimen Kudat diteruskan lagi petang ini, siap petik ketua kampung, pensyarah, dan “Rom”! Ludicrous.
Dah jadi macam lagu “Bangau Oh Bangau”
Kenapa tak jumpa je Veveonah dari awal??
Let's keep in mind that he took 3 DAYS to come up with this excuse instead of a proper apology.
— ?Sia's Semi-reincarnated Simulacrum (@digitalkai) September 7, 2020
The full interview said that he's going to UMS to triple check the info and will apologize IF "there is any confusion".
He's STILL not convinced that Veveonah is innocent. ? https://t.co/01d0OReRnQ
Kalau Veveonah tiada peperiksaan hari tu jadi tak valid ke complain dia? ?♀️ https://t.co/UCJd3meEwz
— Syam ?? (@hisyamazrull) September 7, 2020
We hope Veve will get justice for being slandered or compensated fairly for the embarrassment and stress she had to endure due to the deputy minister’s false statement.