KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s struggle to stay in power does not sit well with Malaysians facing the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic, with his visits around the nation yesterday only angering netizens further.
The prime minister took an official flight to Terengganu to visit PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, leading to social media users questioning the need for the trip, especially when many Malaysians themselves are not yet allowed to visit family and friends.
In another trip that saw him crossing state lines, Muhyiddin met Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at Istana Pasir Pelangi.
He issued a statement standing by the state ruler, condemning those attempting to wrest political power instead of battling the pandemic.
Irate Twitter users took him to task over his travels, pointing out his hypocrisy.
“Why is Muhyiddin allowed to cross state (lines) and visit Hadi Awang when we can’t even visit our parents?” tweeted @TheRedz_.
“If you miss Hadi Awang, perhaps you could open Parliament.”
Kenapa Muhyiddin boleh rentas negeri menziarah ke rumah Hadi Awang tapi kita tak boleh balik kampung ziarah mak ayah? https://t.co/848MgTKJDC
— redza? (@TheRedz_) August 12, 2021
“Oh, I forgot you (Muhyiddin) skip the sessions anyways,” said @rajahanam, referring to the Pagoh MP’s disappearance from the Dewan Rakyat after the first half-day of the special sitting late last month.
With Muhyiddin’s recent announcement that fully vaccinated couples in long-distance relationships can cross state lines to meet, netizens asked, in jest, if he and Hadi are themselves such a couple.
“So Mahiaddin (Muhyiddin) and Hadi are included under the long-distance couple category who can cross states,” said lawyer and activist Michelle Yesudas.
Another user, @asimlotfi, sarcastically pointed out how Muhyiddin is able to move quickly to protect his political interests, but lacks the same sense of urgency when it comes to handling the nation and tackling the twin health and economic crises.
“The prime minister works very fast. After the Johor assembly, he met the sultan, and then immediately went to Terengganu to meet Hadi Awang.
“If only he was this fast and efficient when administering the nation.”
Dengan gaya tersendiri menaiki pesawat khas sampai ke bumi Tganu.. pukul 4.30 petang jumpa Hadi Awang di Rusila, lepas tu balik ke KL.... DEMIKIANLAH pemimpin kita menangani kes COVID19.. pic.twitter.com/4XhoOW9kiT
— BULETIN RMS (@RajaMohdShahrim) August 12, 2021
That the Bersatu president flew on an official jet irked Malaysians further.
“With style, he rode on an official jet to Terengganu... at 4.30pm, he met Hadi Awang, and then returned to Kuala Lumpur,” said @RajaMohdShahrim.
“These are the leaders who are supposed to handle Covid-19.” – The Vibes, August 13, 2021
