KUALA LUMPUR – Anger over the government’s response to the flood disaster in Peninsular Malaysia is palpable as netizens have launched an informal campaign to disrupt donation drives headed by politicians.
One of the leaders is Deputy National Unity Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who made a Twitter post calling for donations to be deposited into an account belonging to Bersatu’s Armada youth wing.
His tweet, posted on December 19, gained nearly 1,000 retweets at press time.
However, a Twitter user who goes by the name Sor Yok Gie, replied to Wan Fayshal’s thread by posting a screenshot of it and added the words “Palsu” (false) in bold, red fonts, as typically done by the government to indicate fake news.
Sor’s parody post – made this morning – received even more traction, gaining 1,280 retweets and 1,058 likes at the time of writing.
— Soe Yok Gie (@isthatYok) December 22, 2021
Wan Fayshal, who is Armada chief, is among a string of Bersatu leaders who have come under fire since last Saturday after the party proceeded to hold its annual general assembly during the height of the downpour that left most parts of Klang and Shah Alam inundated.
Keadaan sangat teruk di sekitar Kampong Baru, Chowkit, JIn Raja Laut, Sunway Putra.
— Wan Ahmad Fayhsal (@wanfayhsal) December 18, 2021
Allah, permudahkan lah urusan kami #Banjir #KL pic.twitter.com/AMURWfIxio
Nampak sangat priority dia ni kelaut.. orang dah separuh mati tunggu bantuan dia bantu suku sakat dia je lepas tu ada hati pulak nak teruskan persidangan. Doa je tak cukup la setan.
— Rahmah Ghazali (@rahmahghazali) December 18, 2021
Another Twitter user with the handle @f15teen15, made a 1 sen donation with a message directed to Wan Fayshal.
Sharing the screenshot of the “donation”, the user in the recipient reference box typed the words “Please tell WAF” (Wan Ahmad Fayshal), followed by “To F off” in the payment details section.
Done on behalf of everyone. https://t.co/CUCAJFyIhQ pic.twitter.com/2cFB2MZk2K
— |an Babe™️ (@f15teen15) December 22, 2021
“Why do I have personal beef with WAF? Cause although he’s young, he’s exactly the s**thead politician that shouldn’t be leading the future of this country. Nope,” the user tweeted.
“And DON’T DONATE TO GOVERNMENT.”
Other Twitter users also called for donors to refrain from giving funds to the Malaysian government.
Instead, they suggested giving money to non-governmental organisations.
“To everyone around the world that wants to donate to help Malaysia, no matter what you do, DON’T donate to the Malaysian Government!” said Twitter user Rahul.
To everyone around the world that wants to donate to help Malaysia, no matter what you do, DONT donate to the Malaysia Government! Donate to MUDA and NGOs
— ゞ rahul (@rahulsingh11_) December 22, 2021
STOP ASKING US MORE MONEY. We pay our taxes for this exact purpose, not to fund your fucking Vellfire!!
— Niresh Kaur ? (@nireshkaur) December 22, 2021
DO NOT DONATE HERE https://t.co/W7Tq2dCJ1R
Meanwhile, Apple Inc chief executive Tim Cook said his company will be making contributions to typhoon-battered Philippines and flood-hit Malaysia.
“Typhoon Rai has caused so much devastation in the Philippines and Malaysia – so many families have lost so much. Apple will be contributing to relief, recovery, and longer-term rebuilding efforts. #OdettePH.”
However, some netizens advised Cook against donating to the Malaysian government.
“Please don’t send the donations to Malaysia’s government. You can reach out to all the NGOs in Malaysia to send the donation,” said Twitter user HN. – The Vibes, December 22, 2021
Please dont send the donations to Malaysia’s government. You can reach out all the NGOs in Malaysia to send the donation ?? Thank youuu ??
— HN ???? (@nabilahariss) December 21, 2021