Every Chinese New Year, the Chinese community all over the world would incorporate the year’s zodiac animal into their celebrations. This year is the year of the dragon.
With that being said, a massive dragon was seen being paraded around Melaka on February 1 (Thursday) in conjunction with the 50 years of Malaysia and China’s relationship. They also included a Malaysian flag and a Chinese flag on each side of the dragon respectively, but people appear to be using this to spread misinformation.
PAS information chief and Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari is now being condemned on his Facebook post after he tried to turn the dragon parade in Melaka into a racial issue by making it look like a takeover by China under the watch of the Madani government. Though, minutes after posting, he edited his caption.
He initially wrote, “The parade of a pretty dragon with the flag of China. This is the era of the Madani government, there is no need to be confused.”
After about 17 minutes, he edited his caption to, “A parade of a pretty dragon with the flag of China.”
Either way, he didn’t mention that there was also a Malaysian flag.
While there were some who fell into his trap, others called him out for trying to create racial disharmony with his initial caption.
“When are you going to delete this post, YB? Adjusting (editing) it does not go well with the status of an MP. Don’t tell me a YB’s brain is on the same level as cybertroopers.”
“Apparently even a YB can spread defamation.”
“YB really would like it if Malaysia had racial riots, right?”
And he isn’t the only one as others have posted and then deleted similar misinformation.
They wrote, “We thought this was in Mainland China but it turns out to be in Malaysia. As far as the dragon goes, there’s not even 1 Malaysian flag. Things like this we’re not calling racist but it’s common sense.”
“Even if those parading the dragon are from Mainland China, they have to have the common sense to include Malaysian flags, what more if they are Malaysians.”
Hence, considering many don’t know what’s actually going on, let us explain.
As mentioned above, the dragon parade was in conjunction with the 50 years of Malaysia’s relationship with China.
According to a Facebook post by Melaka Hari Ini, the 179.2 meter dragon with a head that weighed 60kgs was paraded by 180 people, including Melaka and China school students.
The parade also received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records.
“Congratulations! Despite the scorching heat, the atmosphere was still very lively at Jonker Street yesterday (February 1),” they added.
You can also check out their video of the colourful and high-spirited event here.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Is Robert Kuok Really Malaysia’s Richest? Report Claims Sarawak’s Ex-Governor is Much Wealthier
