KUALA LUMPUR – The #KempenBenderaPutih push, which calls on those in need of food and other essentials to raise a white flag outside their homes, has been derided by Pahang PAS commissioner Rosli Abdul Jabar as an act of losers in a battle.
In a Facebook post today, he said it should not be encouraged, as there are many other ways to seek aid.
We do not agree with the proposal to hoist a white flag should one run out of food. Many other methods can be considered. Raising a white flag is akin to a person losing in a battle, when the truth is, we still have strength.
“Instead, we should hoist the Islamic banner, in the name of Islam as a religion that helps one another.”
The Tg Lumpur assemblyman said flying a white flag outside of one’s home could lead to other people taking advantage of those facing hardships.
The act shames individuals in need, he said, adding that the preservation of dignity is important.
He said all elected representatives should open operations centres and hotlines to provide aid during the Covid-19 pandemic, serving as coordinators for groups entrusted with channelling assistance.
“It is also recommended that community-based organisations, such as the Village Development and Security Committee and Rukun Tetangga, open aid operations centres, targeting individuals who have no access to food and providing food delivery services to those who don’t have vehicles.”
Kepada semua yang susah dan tiada makanan, naikkan bendera putih ?️ di kediaman anda.
— Hafizol Hakami (@HafizolHakami) June 28, 2021
Biar orang sekeliling pakat bantu sedikit sebanyak yang termampu.
Tolong jangan ambil tindakan yang meremukkan hati orang yang tersayang.
Tak perlu merayu, tak perlu malu. Kibar saja bendera pic.twitter.com/BGy7muxcMc
He added that mosques and surau must serve as places that render aid.
For non-Muslims, such centres can be set up at temples and churches, said Rosli.
“Make sure these centres’ hotlines and locations are publicised.
“I am confident that this way, we can prevent people from taking advantage (of those facing hardships), as well as from hoarding food aid.”
Malaysian netizens have come out in support of #KempenBenderaPutih following a tweet promoting the initiative by @HafizolHakami last night.
He called on people in need of essential items to raise a white flag outside their homes, allowing neighbours to help them.
“Please do not take actions that will break the hearts of your loved ones. Avoid stress.
“No need to plead, no need to be embarrassed. Just fly the flag.”
As at the time of writing, his post had received 16,000 retweets and nearly 7,000 “likes”. – The Vibes, June 29, 2021
