Proposed Bravery Award For Malaysian Global Sumud Flotilla Activists By Amanah Veep Ridiculed

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IT IS one thing to recognise bravery but it is quite another to go overboard.
This seems to be the sentiment that greeted the suggestion by Amanah’s vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar that volunteers involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission deserved official national recognition for willing to risk their lives facing the Israeli military without any weaponry or guarantee of safety.

However, the former Pokok Sena MP triggered less than positive feedback from Malaysians as observed on the Free Malaysia Today’s Facebook page with some even openly mocking such a proposal.
There were even sarcastic suggestions that these volunteers would be rewarded with huge swathes of land.

The highest possible honorary titles in the likes of “Tan Sri” and “Tun” were also mentioned to troll Mahfuz who is currently the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (FOA) chairman (since May 2023) as well as many other lucrative rewards in the likes of “one Rolls-Roye Boat Tail each” or even “a RM2 mil monthly allowance each”.

One commenter even suggested erecting a second national monument alongside the Tugu Kebangsaan.

The fact that those who do NOT openly (and blindly) support the Palestinian cause is automatically denounced as ‘Zionists’ is clearly beginning to rankle.
However, it can be argued that such displays of dissent are a sign that certain Malaysians will not bow to this overt pressure to conform.

Some asked what about members of Malaysia’s armed forces who also risk their life and limbs, especially those serving in peace-keeping missions? Do they not then deserve similar awards?

It was also suggested that many more Malaysians would now take to the seas headed for Gaza now that they see that it is a route to riches and rewards.

One commenter went on to urge the Madani government to declare a public holiday so that the entire nation can also “celebrate” the so-called achievement of the GSF volunteers.

Other novel suggestions included re-naming every floor of official government building in Putrajaya in their honour while another commenter suggested transferring award medals from “non-performing MPs and ministers” to these fearless GSF activists.

Of course, there were those who agreed with the suggestion, pointing to the immense sacrifice and courage necessary to undertake such a voyage. Why so much vitriol is being directed at this suggestion, wondered some commenters.

Few things the reaction to this suggestion to reward these activists highlight.
On the one hand, it can be certain that the right-wing nationalists that have been busy weaponising the Gaza conflict to suit local agendas will use these remarks.
It will be used as more evidence of Zionists in our midst and that non-Muslim Malaysians are just a cruel, heartless bunch.
On the other, the many comments ridiculing the suggestion perhaps underline that some Malaysians are just fed up with being labelled Zionists for not toeing the official line.
It also signals that they believe that too much is being made of a perceived publicity stunt. This call to reward them smacks of opportunistic politicians coat-riding on these activists’ journey.

Even those who support the humanitarian mission were less than impressed by the Amanah leader’s suggestion – it has turned a commendable effort into a joke. 

 - Focus Malaysia

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