KUALA LUMPUR – Muda’s Muhammad Danial Abdul Majeed has come under intense public scrutiny since he was announced last night as the party’s candidate for Kepala Batas.
Danial’s past tweets of his strong support for Barisan Nasional (BN) dating back to at least 2013 have resurfaced, prompting netizens to question his true intentions in this general election (GE15).
The tweets that netizens managed to screen capture and share were of him vociferously defending Datuk Seri Najib Razak by reminding those who were criticising the former prime minister that he had provided financial assistance to students and civil servants.
? Steady, @danialabdmajeed !#BetterNation https://t.co/QXJj9U2JFG pic.twitter.com/xjQ2iJsBLt
— Ayep (@MDQYP1) October 29, 2022
Another tweet was of Danial congratulating Najib in 2013 for winning the Pekan seat, and that supporters would always back him.
A Twitter user managed to upload an image of Danial taking a selfie with Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor at an event. The image was a tongue-in-cheek response to a post of Danial’s candidacy announcement.
Nasib tak guna gambaq ni https://t.co/vA5X6TaIJ6 pic.twitter.com/EpSyOr3yCm
— Bro Malaya ™ (@SokanMalaya07) October 29, 2022
The most shared tweet of Danial’s was his “forever and always” support for BN while he said in a 2018 Facebook post that he was a registered Umno member.
Due to the scrutiny, Danial temporarily switched his social media accounts to private, which prompted speculation that he was on a “cleaning spree” to clear his past tweets.
He then made his account public again, now with fewer posts and followers, and even a response to recent criticism.
“I was actively involved in politics, and at that time, my vision was blurred with racial and religious politics,” he said in today’s thread on his Twitter page.
“Unfortunately, many more share my fate. The Sheraton Move changed a lot of things I believed from a young age.”
He added that he believes in Muda’s advocacy of going beyond religion, race, age, and background, and wishes to bring politics of values, policies, and services to Malaysia.
“I want more to have the courage to change. The past is not a barrier to change into a more progressive political identity,” he continued in his tweet.
“It is not wrong and there is no need to be afraid.”
Salam semua.
— Danial Abdul Majeed (@danialabdmajeed) October 30, 2022
Saya Danial Abdul Majeed, calon MUDA di Kepala Batas.
Pencalonan saya semalam disambut dengan banyak reaksi. Termasuklah ciapan saya seawal tahun 2013.
Saya tak boleh elak dengan identiti politik saya pada tahun 2013. pic.twitter.com/GlxJJqjb9d
Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz tweeted that the past does not define an individual’s current perceptions.
“In 2013, when Danial was 17-years-old, he was an avid BN supporter. Now, he is a Muda member and is committed to our fight.
“Everyone has their past, what’s most important is their commitment to the future.”
2013 - waktu Danial 17thn, dia penyokong tegar BN.
— amiraaisya (@_amiraaisya) October 30, 2022
Kini Danial adalah ahli MUDA & komited dlm perjuangan MUDA.
Everyone has their past. What’s most important is their commitment for the future.
Malam ni, join @luqmanlong & tanya Danial apa-apa sahaja!
Jalan tegak Danial! pic.twitter.com/8TEkp4ZVm6
There were also netizens who commended Danial for no longer supporting BN.
“The fact that he changed based on his principles and truth shows he is maturing,” said former Bersatu member Datuk Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff, who is now with PKR.
“He wants to do good for the many, challenging the Goliath of the kleptocrats. We must welcome and encourage that.”
The fact that he changed based on his principles and truth, shows he is maturing ! He wants to do good for the MANY challenging the Goliath of the kleptocrats! We must welcome and encourage that. What worry me more is those who still don’t want to change !!!
— Dr. Rais Hussin (@raishussin) October 30, 2022
Another Twitter user added that political views can always change, and nothing is wrong with Danial changing his.
“A lot can happen in four years, good thing Danial woke up and joined Muda,” said Twitter user Rachel Tan.
“He is a testimony for people who are blinded by corrupted crooks.”
A lot can happen in four years. Good thing Danial woke up from and joined muda. He is a testimony for people who are blinded by corrupted crooks
— Rachel Tan ? ? (@rachellcytann) October 30, 2022
Kepala Batas in Penang has been an Umno stronghold since 1974. Its two-term MP Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican is expected to defend the seat. – The Vibes, October 30, 2022
