Welcome Embrace No No But Rape Is Fine Pas Trolled Over Hypocrisy In Criticising Pmx

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MUCH ado about nothing by an opposition lacking substance?
Or unbecoming conduct from a Muslim leader of a nation where the official religion is Islam?
As Kuala Lumpur goes into overdrive in greeting a multitude of VVIPs for the 47th ASEAN Summit which comes to a close today (Oct 28) with Malaysia passing its chairmanship baton to the Philippines, some eyes can’t help being drawn to a seemingly innocuous greeting.
Tongues have been wagging after 2025 ASEAN chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was seen being a touch too friendly when greeting Louise Araneta-Marcos, wife of Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr.


As highlighted on human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim’s Facebook page, the issue has been used as a stick by the opposition to beat PMX.
The ultra-conservative brigade is seeing this as evidence of a “liberal” leader contributing to moral decay in Malaysian society. However, as the legal eagle points out, these righteous pundits remain silent over the increasing number of rape and sexual attacks in PAS-led states.
The aboriginal rights activist highlighted that the police have opened 349 rape cases in Kelantan and 70 rape and incest cases in Terengannu.
“Malu la (it’s truly embarrassing),” exclaimed Siti Kasim, perhaps insinuating that those harping on a harmless embrace were hypocrites.
Quite a few commenters wholeheartedly agreed with the 62-year-old legal eagle who suggested that the critics look after their own backyards first before passing judgement on PMX welcoming visiting dignitaries and their spouses.
This is especially so when a handshake is inevitable as a polite diplomatic gesture if the head of government happens to be a woman.

PAS silence on endemic corruption was also highlighted as more examples of a party that is selective with what it sees as “vices”.

It was also pointed out that this was a normal welcoming gesture in other cultures and there was no need to make a big deal out of it.

Some had some choice words for those seeking to sensationalise a harmless welcome embrace, accusing such holier-than-thou keyboard warriors of having “dirty minds”.

A few things this little storm-in-a-teacup highlights.
Firstly, the opposition stirs up these issues because it is precisely the content that appeals to a certain demographic.
Salacious news dripping with innuendo while painting the PM as a leader lacking in moral values is what they want and it is duly served up.
Why bother with intricate and complex issues such as international tariffs, domestic trade or even education policies when there is a scandalous hug to be exploited?
Secondly, knowing full well that the ultra-conservatives will milk any contact by PMX with female skin, why isn’t there set protocols in place?
Be it wearing gloves or simply initiating a hand on heart gesture to signify respect sans touching, such unnecessary controversies can be avoided and thus negate attacks from the opposition.

Perhaps one commenter’s suggestion to accept that such an innocent embrace was part and parcel of global diplomacy summed up the realities of the situation. 

- focus Malaysia

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