Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia is seeing the rise of the white and black flag citizens and this is not sitting well with some politicians.
Of course, the ruling politicians seem upset and worried with the trend and they are clamping on the campaigns.
With help from the authorities on a trickle, alleges desperate citizens, they launched a ‘white flag’ campaign.
The idea is for those who run out of food and other necessities to attract the attention of neighbours with the white flag.
And parallel to the campaign, netizens and some opposition politicians launched a ‘black flag’ campaign.
The black flag is to press Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to resign and for Parliament to resume.
Street protests and economic activities are not allowed during the emergency movement control order.
With many losing their jobs or getting pay cuts and not able to provide for their families or pay debts, they are to fly the white flags.
This attracted the ire of ruling political figures. Members of the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia allegedly say it is better to pray for help than fly a white flag.
They say flying the white flag is surrender, and this is not acceptable.
The people should not surrender by waving a white flag when faced with challenges from God, says PAS leader Nik Abduh Nik Aziz.
PROTESTS
For some political figures, flying the white flag means the people are protesting against the government.
Though they are missing the point and politicising the act of desperation of the people, the campaign is successful in some states.
People are getting help from neighbours and politicians, proving that it is a good idea after all.
The black flag, on the other hand, is something that political observers are interested in seeing whether it will get momentum.
However, because Twitter posts do not have a vote, it is difficult to assess whether the government should be concerned.
