KUALA LUMPUR – Public outrage and frustration at Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali are up a few notches, as netizens vent on Austrian Economy Minister Margarete Schramböck’s Facebook page.
Many slammed the international trade and industry minister for restricting comments on his own page following calls to close factories in high-risk Covid-19 areas, among others.
Two days ago, Schramböck posted photos of Azmin’s visit to her country.
“The Southeast Asian market is particularly interesting for Austria’s companies, precisely because Malaysia is establishing itself as a hub for technology.
“Thank you for the visit! I’m happy that we will work even closer together in the future!”
While she appeared happy with Azmin, Malaysian social media users feel otherwise.
At the time of writing, the post has received more than 7,700 comments and 2,700 shares.
Most of the remarks by Malaysians are directed at Schramböck, asking if the Austrian minister could advise Azmin to shut factories and convene Parliament.
“Please ask him to close the factories that are contributing to the surge in Covid-19 cases here in Malaysia,” said Logan Raj.
“Also, please ask him to resign for betraying Malaysian voters.”
Teeru Varasu said: “Please open Parliament, Azmin Ali, at least you can enact a Social Media Anti-Bullying Law to save yourself.”
Another user apologised for commenting on Schramböck’s Facebook page, saying it is because Azmin has restricted comments on certain posts on his page.
“Sorry for disturbing your Facebook status, because our minister has deleted his status, so I can’t criticise (there). Don’t waste your time negotiating with a useless minister, Malaysians are left to die just like that, thus triggering a factory cluster,” said Din Farook.
“He was also the cause of many other companies going bankrupt. If you want to invest, please do it after the election of a new leader.”
A check on Azmin’s post of the meeting with Schramböck found that comments are set to public, while certain earlier posts are restricted.
Some users adopted a more humorous tone, asking Schramböck if Austria is willing to take Azmin.
“Hi Madam Minister, I know this is a lot to ask right now but can you PLEASE KEEP him. Just sending us back our plane would be enough. Sincerely, a concerned Malaysian,” said Amar Kumar.
“Madam, he is the worst minister in Malaysia. Hope you can school him also,” said Khairil Hazwan Hamzah.
“Or you can take him forever to your country.”
While taking the mickey out of Azmin may be amusing to some, the more pressing question is, what does this mean for Malaysia’s diplomatic and trade ties? – The Vibes, July 10, 2021
