Adding to the exhaustive list of "things that politicians say to piss rakyat off" is the latest comment by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, seemingly mocking the #BenderaPutih and #BenderaHitam movement in the country.
Here's what he allegedly said recently:
"Tak payah naik bendera putih ke, hitam ke... Nak naik bendera biru takpa" - PM Muhyiddin Yassin pic.twitter.com/v7CI3VQX6f
— Fahmi Reza (@kuasasiswa) July 15, 2021
During a press conference at an event where aid is distributed to those in need, Muhyiddin said that the government is aware of people's suffering and is giving aid where necessary.
"So, you don't have to raise black or white flags. Blue is fine," he joked.
In case you've forgotten, the Barisan Nasional flag is blue in colour, and so is Perikatan Nasional's.
His dismissal of people's anger and suffering didn't stop there.
The man, who is supposed to be leading the country through these tough times, also reportedly said that he's seen that the kitchens at many of the homes are "filled".
"I'm not saying it's like that everywhere. We want a registration system where everyone gets equally. Not some get 10, some one," he was quoted as saying.
Angry Netizens out in droves
Malaysia, obviously, were angry at the comments and the tone of the prime minister.On Twitter alone, the video shared by activist Fahmi Reza has garnered a whopping 19,700 Quote Retweets, 17,700 retweets and 13,100 likes.
None of the comments on the post or quote retweets were anything short of angry, in case you're wondering:
I prefer him to stay silent rather than mocking your citizens who struggling af. Is this a joke to you? Rakyat dah tersangatlah kecewa bila tengok kes harian yang takde improvement. We barely survive. Tak payah fikir survive sebab covid, nak survive daily life pun susah dah https://t.co/sX96v401AW
— Sarah Nurhana (@s_haanaa) July 15, 2021
The fact that we're going through such a tough time rn and he has the audacity to laugh and make jokes about those people who are suffering in our country. https://t.co/66zOQKHQT0
— adrina (@adrinaalee) July 15, 2021
Mahiaddin Yassin must suffer the most painful death ever. I hope his cancer resurfaces, and that it metastasises to the most painful parts of his body. I hope he'll spend a long time feeling like every part of his body is on fire. I hope his death isn't merciful. https://t.co/y6wMy47geC
— seren yeager ? (@sarananandan_) July 15, 2021
He had the audacity to laugh at current situation? #KerajaanBetaGagal https://t.co/Vi2M8KEgnD
— Athiss Skywalker (@Athisswaran32) July 15, 2021
Wanna talk about Msians making rude comments?
— Running after pigeons (@ladykirat) July 15, 2021
This is the most heartless thing to say to starving, desperate people who ended up here through YOUR selfishness https://t.co/9BlDp2essY
Semua titik merah menandakan bendera putih yang dikibarkan di https://t.co/PkBMQsNnnn. We can only help so much. These white flags are a symptom of a systemic failure. Muhyiddin, if you ada maruah. Please resign and bring the failed PN cabinet with you. https://t.co/usUK4UcfI9 pic.twitter.com/vojAgC8dhY
— Miss Atomic Bomb (@SyarifahAmin) July 15, 2021
some people are so detached from reality it's so fucking scary. can you please open your eyes just once and really look at what's happening to our country? ? https://t.co/4fZVLzabrf
— astra (@bruisedpeach7) July 15, 2021
If our premier can make people's hardship (bendera putih) a joke and laugh on national TV, the time for adab is over. https://t.co/rhKgL1KAVb
— Penat ? (@lamkanahraf) July 15, 2021
The Prime Minister's comments were tone deaf, insensitive and unbecoming of a leader.
We really hope Malaysia can come out of these dark times sooner rather than later.