The Malaysian creative arts scene has always been an ever-growing family — with a ginormous talent pool and tons of mess made on social media especially when it comes to their personal and political beliefs. With celebrities and singers being part of the anti-vax group and disagreeing with the #Lawan Protest because it was not part of our culture to do so, our dear entertainers should really go through a reality check as well as getting out of their private bubble of privilege when it comes to matters pertaining to the ordinary Malaysians.
Clearly, they’ve been getting some reasonable hate for their actions and words because as a consequence of their harmful statements, their followers on social media might preach similar ideologies as them to their peers and loved ones. This influence is great nevertheless. Of course, social media is an avenue to express your ideas and thoughts freely but sometimes these thoughts might be harmful to others and in many instances, might cost them their lives.
Recently, popular singer, Faizal Tahir did something similar which infuriated netizens even further, especially in the political turmoil that we’re in right now.
In his latest tweet, the 42-year-old singer said, “If you have nothing nice to say about someone, then don’t say anything at all. This is not the teaching of our beloved Prophet, this is not a character of Islam. Only cowards don’t show themselves while throwing stones.” This came as a response to the statement made by the Leader of the Opposition’s Parliamentary Secretary, Abd Malek Hussin, which detailed the failures of the current Prime Minister, Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Mahiaddin bin Md. Yasin.
Among the key points stated by Malek Husin, who was once detained under the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), was the fact that Mahiaddin failed to handle the pandemic and is the Prime Minister with the shortest tenure of being in office.
Following this, Faizal Tahir commented on the tweet which reads, “Salam. I tried to message you personally. But not possible, I just have to be honest and tell you that I used to look up to you and admire you but looking at how childish you are, I have lost so much respect for you, sir. Disappointed. Nevertheless, there is still respect. Allah bless.”
This is indeed a comment that is extremely insensitive to the plight and sorrows of ordinary Malaysians. Using religion to advocate for those who have wronged the entire country by forming a government that’s out of the bubble of democracy is not a proud action, regardless.
Tons of people have died mercilessly due to Covid-19 due to the mishandling of the pandemic. In rebuttal to Faizal Tahir’s tweet, actress, Sharifah Amani, tweeted, “Usually, people within the art scene would have empathy. But, unfortunately, if religion and death could be used as art, what else could you expect?”
Nevertheless, you are entitled to have your opinions, in the context of a utopian society but when it comes to mercilessness, cutthroat politicians governing our country, criticising is the way forward. Far too many innocent lives that have been claimed due to Covid-19 and starvation. Businesses are forced to shut down and if this continues, children would not be able to read or write due to circumstances affecting their online classes. The least celebrities could do is to empathise with them and think progressively in the name of building back the fallen nation.
