Public Outrage on Social Media Over Prime Minister’s Handling of a Girl’s Meritocracy Question
Picture Credits: Malaysia Now
By Pavethran Batmanathen
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 7: Many Malaysians have turned to social media to condemn Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s response to a visibly frightened teen who asked whether his government intended to get rid of the quota system.
The student requested a moment to explain before asking a question so that her intentions would not be misunderstood. “When will the quota system be eliminated and a meritocracy implemented? Because people do not have Bumiputera status, my friends and I as well as other, unknown people are impacted by this quota system,” she said. – Malaysia Now
The clearly shaken student began to stammer at one point, but Anwar interrupted her before she was able to provide an explanation.
Anwar replied “”If you had listened to the ‘Temu Anwar’ meetings, you would have heard someone pose this question and receive my response. Follow the next time.” – Malaysia Now
The student was criticised by Anwar for being less fair to Bumiputeras at distant schools for the next ten minutes or so of his speech. He asserted that the student should’ve brought up specific instances of non-Malays being refused admission rather than discussing the quota system, which gives Bumiputeras preference for admission to public colleges, so that the Ministry of Education might look into them.
The prime minister repeatedly interrupted the student as she attempted to explain, to loud applause. Finally, Anwar said that getting rid of the quota system will lose him the elections.
Tashny Sukumaran, a human rights activist and writer, had some of the toughest criticism for Anwar, calling his actions “disgusting bullying.” Following her remarks, a number of government supporters tweeted in favour of Anwar while denouncing the student for posing such a question. – Malaysia Now
Supporters of Muda wrote on Twitter: “The way he responded seemed to put down on the student who is really asking. What about the less intelligent and underprivileged Chinese and Indian students? For these folks, where is the justice? he used to claim that every race are his offspring. Another response now,” Izdham Zainal stated.
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