Note: This article has been updated to include the facts that were only verified after publishing. The writer would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to the affected parties.
Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer’s opinion and compiled opinions of others on the subject matter. It does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of WORLD OF BUZZ.
At this point of time, Malaysians are welcoming a full lockdown for a short period of time AS LONG AS there are no double standards in SOP implementation which disappointingly still hasn’t come true. While the normal rakyat is quick to be fined an exorbitant amount, the same case doesn’t happen with politicians or celebrities and the rakyat are always quick to point out these double standards.
The latest politician to be accused of this is Minister of Federal Territories, Tan Sri Annuar Musa. He was recently accused by netizens on social media for flouting MCO SOPs yet again, this time for allegedly celebrating his 65th birthday at Maahad Tahfiz Integrasi Madinatul Huffaz (MTIMH) located at Gombak, Kuala Lumpur.
Judging from his caption and photos, Malaysians were quick to point out that the minister was violating SOPs and called him out for taking the rules as a joke.
“Happy Birthday Tan Sri. It’s so lucky that you’re able to celebrate your birthday now while my sister had to cancel her wedding.”
“For your info, only minister can do this. If the rakyat does this, they will be fined.”
“I don’t understand these ministers at times. What’s the point of conducting these events during the pandemic when the rakyat have been asked to quarantine.
Not only he had a social event but he also had the gall to post the images on social media. Won’t the rakyat get angry? Where are your brains?”
However, upon further discovery, it turns out this is in fact NOT TRUE.
A quick browse through the minister’s Facebook page revealed that the event was actually held on 29 April and he had just reposted the same pictures on 17 May as a birthday post. It was in fact a buka puasa event and NOT a birthday celebration.
I understand that as a Malaysian, we feel the need to voice out and call out double standards that are imposed in our society today. And it certainly does not help that we’re all in a tough bubble (aka the pandemic) right now. But while we sit behind our screens and type messages and comments in the spirit of ‘calling out’, do also remind yourselves to verify the facts before clicking that ‘post’ button.
At the end of the day, behind every screen is a human being and whether we like or dislike, agree or disagree with the person, they also have feelings and nobody deserves to be called out for something they did not do wrong.
What do you think of this? Let us know in the comments section!
Also read: Annuar Musa Under Police Investigation After Photo of Him Breaking Dining SOPs Go Viral
