Azmin’s sudden private mode on Twitter fuels criticism, speculation

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali had temporarily locked his Twitter account this afternoon, fuelling amusement and anger among social media users.

It is believed that the international trade and industry minister made his page private around 12.30pm, before going public again less than two hours later.

The reason for his action is not immediately known, but this comes on the back of continued criticism and reproval by netizens on Twitter.

Azmin, whose ministry is in charge of granting approvals to businesses operating under the movement control order, has been in the public’s bad books for months now over his ostensible leaning towards the interest of industry players.

He had on multiple occasions defended the manufacturing sector amid calls for factories to be closed following a rise in Covid-19 cases, claiming it is unfair to blame the industry as it does not contribute to the majority of clusters.

But it is his recent action that seemed to have gotten on many Malaysians’ nerves – his tweet about him travelling overseas for a work visit, as the country continues to grapple with the impact of the health crisis.

Azmin, in a post uploaded last night, said he has safely arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a three-day trade and investment mission to promote Malaysia as an investment destination of choice.

Hundreds of users slammed his move, saying he “abandoned” Malaysia and travelled abroad when the health crisis is still not under control.

Some users questioned his decision to physically travel there despite the existence of video-call technology, while others accused him of wasting public funds, when the economy is still far from reaching pre-pandemic levels.

Those who were eager to condemn the senior minister on his account this afternoon were surprised to be greeted by a page protected from public viewing, sending the Twitterverse into overdrive.

@Thiban_ben posted: “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the factory.”

This is in an apparent jibe at the Bersatu man, who posted a similar comment in March 2019 when he attacked certain political leaders whom he described as crybabies for not being able to “tough it out”.

@rebeldravidian posted: “You can’t handle frustrated netizens’ criticism. I hope you fall Azmin Ali.”

Another user, @atqhan, said: “Azmin Ali thinks by making his account private, the rakyat can’t swear at him.”

@hxrryxo posted: “Congratulations, Malaysians! We have successfully cyberbullied Azmin! Celebrate!”

There were also those who panned him for switching his account to private, knowing his position as a senior minister. – The Vibes, July 5, 2021