Friday Prayers Fall Out From Myburgerlab Ex Coo S Professing Personal Opinion Has Wide Repercussions

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Letter to Editor
THE Taliban and the ruling government of Iran have often been used as similes to describe hardline, conservative regimes.
Many Malaysians view these regimes as intolerant and ultra-conservative which rule with an iron fist.

So when a Malaysian citizen describes the move by the Terengganu state government to fine Muslim men who miss Friday prayers using those synonyms, is it disrespectful, offensive or lacking in sensitivity?
In a statement posted on its website, local franchise MyBurgerLab has apologised for the personal social media post of its former chief operating officer (COO) Andrew Chong for having sparked anger and disappointment, particularly among Muslims.


The home-grown burger chain stressed that the post criticising a Shariah punishment in Terengganu did not reflect its principles of respect, unity, and inclusivity.
Fear of backlash
A few issues need to be addressed by this storm-in-a-teacup.
Firstly, a quick trawl through social media will reveal plenty of similar examples, especially on political content that pitches the walanon (slang for liberal Madani supporters) against the walaun (slang for hardcore PAS supporters).
The language used is often quite strong with opinions that range from the ridiculous to the scandalous. Why is there no outcry?
Secondly, are reactions only reserved for high profile individuals or those attached with certain companies?

The immediate and swift action by MyBurgerLab to sack its COO and distancing itself from the comments looks very much like a damage-limitation exercise.
It does look like the franchise owners simply panicked and acted quickly to avoid a sock-gate or flag-gate from developing.

The serious question that needs to be asked is the appropriateness for C-suite business executives such as Andrew Chong to surrender their right to express an opinion so as not to upset the apple cart?
Note that Chong made those comments in a personal capacity and has since apologised for the now deleted post.
Is Andrew Chong judgmental, disrespectful?
Thirdly, MyBurgerLab has stated that Chong’s views do NOT reflect its own values of “respect, unity and inclusivity”.
The very loaded question here is who decides what is disrespectful? Let’s be honest; ask non-Muslims what they think of such values and chances are there will be those who agree with Chong.
Which brings us to the next pertinent point – are non-Muslims NOT entitled to discuss and have an opinion on Shariah-related matters that affect their well-being and livelihood? Are they not stakeholders in the nation and have a say in how it should be run?
From public caning of adulterers to fining short-wearing shopkeepers, these are issues that affect all Malaysians, not just Muslims.


Last but not least, if the likes of controversial preachers Zakir Naik, Firdaus Wong and Zamri Vinoth are allowed to roam free and make all sorts of controversial pronouncements without fear of repercussions, shouldn’t be Chong be allowed reasonable room to do the same?
There is a very fine line between an opinion and an insult as highlighted by the recent gaffe involving ERA FM DJs mocking kavadi bearers.
One should not be punished for expressing alarm at certain developments and most certainly not be gagged for fear of right-wing reprisals.
There’s more at stake here than just the reputation of the franchise. As it is, the apology statement which is intended to be a fire extinguishing exercise has further enraged both its Muslim and non-Muslim clientele.
That’s food for thought. 
Former MyBurgerLab customer
Petaling Jaya
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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