When it comes to being a public or highly influential figure, it might be best to be careful with what you say.
Recently, a video of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri went viral on Twitter. The video was about his Raya open house he hosted in London which had 300 guests in attendance.
Seronok dapat bertemu mereka, Keluarga Malaysia yang berada di perantauan… ??
Meluangkan masa kira-kira tiga jam bersama-sama 300 orang Keluarga Malaysia yang menetap di London semasa majlis sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri. pic.twitter.com/hmRPx16EEA
— Ismail Sabri (@IsmailSabri60) May 11, 2022
The video featured interviews and comments by several of the attendees including well-known surgeon, Dr Amalina Bakri.
In the clip, Amalina says, “I feel very happy to be able to celebrate Raya with ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ and the Prime Minister.
“We must work together to build on the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’.”
Her comments did not go down well
The video has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Although most Malaysians respect Amalina for her work, many criticised her for appearing to be promoting the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ concept.
The ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ concept has been widely criticised by public figures as well as members of the public in the past. Malaysians believe that it is simply propaganda used to promote Ismail Sabri’s government.
“Wow just like that. I don’t think you’d care but there goes lot of people’s respects they had for you,” commented one user.
Meanwhile a couple of users pointed out how easy it is for her to say all that when she’s comfortably living abroad whilst the rest of us are stuck here.
“You’re just talking nonsense saying that you want to build the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ whilst you’ve secured a life outside. Try living here,” said another user.
Another user said, “‘Let’s build Keluarga Malaysia’ said a doctor who currently resides in London.”
Dr Amalina apologises
After the issue had been widely circulated on Twitter, Dr Amalina took to the comments section of a post to clarify that it was not her intention and urged Malaysians to stop politicising everything.
“Apologies that I have offended some of you. Someone interviewed me to ask me to wish Selamat Hari Raya and my wish for ‘Keluarga Malaysia’. Why is this suddenly becoming political? I thought that’s the slogan for the country.”
“I would attend Raya open houses every year if I received an invitation from the Malaysian High Commission, regardless of the political figure. So did many people there. Stop politicising everything,” she added.
She further added, “I give medical advice and it gets politicised, even my statements here are politicised. Even me going to celebrate Raya with my fellow Malaysians gets politicised.”
Apologies that I have offended some of you. Someone interviewed me to ask me to wish selamat hari raya and my wish for Keluarga Malaysia. Why is this suddenly becoming political? I thought that’s the slogan for the country?
— Dr. Amalina (@DrAmalinaBakri) May 11, 2022
To which a netizen then explained to her why her statements were so offensive. “No Dr Amalina, you don’t understand – the term ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ is PROPAGANDA initiated by this government that has betrayed the democratic mandate, and intends to win election.”
“Everyone here knows that. Once you mention it in positive light, people will think you side with them. If you wanted to not politicise it, you could’ve just gave your announcement without mentioning ‘Keluarga Malaysia’, but you’ve made your choice.”
“‘Keluarga Malaysia’ was never our country’s slogan, neither is 1 Malaysia, they’re political slogans disguised as government motivation,” explained the netizen.
In response to the user’s explanation, Amalina wrote, “They asked me to wish and hope for ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ and I answered the question from the interviewer. My mistake for being naive.”
They asked me to wish/hope for keluarga Malaysia and I answered the question from the interviewer. My mistake for being naive.
— Dr. Amalina (@DrAmalinaBakri) May 11, 2022
Watch the video below:
Seronok dapat bertemu mereka, Keluarga Malaysia yang berada di perantauan… ??
Meluangkan masa kira-kira tiga jam bersama-sama 300 orang Keluarga Malaysia yang menetap di London semasa majlis sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri. pic.twitter.com/hmRPx16EEA
— Ismail Sabri (@IsmailSabri60) May 11, 2022
What do you think of her apology? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: “Cold like heaven” – Local Actress Receives Backlash For Describing Luxurious Toilet As Heaven
