Kuala Lumpur: It is not the turn of the Barisan Nasional to come out to support Malaysians who are raising the white flag in the pandemic.
A Facebook post on the BN’s page with a photo of Umno leader Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reads, “Don’t be sceptical of the white flag.”
“Try asking the occupants of the houses where they ‘White Flag.’
Are they hanging ‘White Flag’ for political reasons or desperate for help?” writes Zahid.
In the text in Malay, he says he thinks it is difficult for anyone to fly the flag willingly in front of their house.
“They will put aside feelings of shame for the sake of themselves and their families,” he says.
The post is signed Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, .Chairman of the National Front.
See the Barisan Nasional’s post on Facebook.
Here is the full post in Malay:
JANGAN “SCEPTICAL” DENGAN BENDERA PUTIH
Cuba tanya penghuni rumah gantung ‘Bendera Putih’
Mereka gantung ‘Bendera Putih’ sebab politik atau terdesak perlu bantuan? Saya fikir tiada siapa dengan mudah sanggup kibar ‘Bendera Putih’ depan rumah. Mereka ini sanggup mengenepikan perasaan malu demi keperluan diri dan keluarga.
Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Pengerusi Barisan Nasional.
A few politicians from the other side of the political circle have spoken against the white flag. They say it is a political statement against the government.
Some are even saying it goes against religious beliefs. But netizens are flooding WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms with call of support for the people who are floating the flag.
At least one government politician have retweeted a post which is urging people to float the white flag.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin last week voiced support for the #BenderaPutih campaign.
The campaign, launched on social media, is to urge those in need of help during the ongoing lockdown to raise a white flag.
“I am together in this #benderaputih campaign to identify those who need help,” she said in a post on Twitter and Facebook.
“There is no need to beg and no need to be embarrassed. Just raise the flag.”
However, netizens were quick to dismiss her support, saying she is trying to gain political capital. Some also say she ‘hijacked’ the campaign.
