You can count on the average Malaysian to roll their eyes when they see somebody else offering obsequious praise for our politicians, especially when that politician has already been convicted of stealing from the public.
Recently a screenshot from a video clip showing a traffic police officer bending down to kiss the hand of disgraced former prime minister, Najib Abdul Razak went viral, with many online expressing their disgust at the image and the cultural attitude it represents.
The screenshot comes from a video posted last month by Najib’s special officer. Mukhlis Maghribi, on Instagram. The video has since been removed but not before the screenshot went viral. It appears the clip was taken outside of the parliament building in Kuala Lumpur.
Some Malaysians condemned the officer for greeting a convicted criminal in such a manner and labeled it an insult to the Malaysian police, considering they are also part of the government that is currently prosecuting Najib in his ongoing fraud cases.
Some also said it was also reflective of the country’s widespread “slave culture” that those with higher status still receive such treatment.
“There are hundreds of police reports against Najib. But there are still police officers kissing his hand although he has been proven guilty of breach of trust and stealing the country’s money. Looks like that’s where the standard is for the police.”
“Where is your pride? The least you should have is disdain towards corruption right?”
“This is what happens when we don’t teach the authorities to have brains, they end up as yes-men. Or have the traffic police been bought because they have to constantly escort these crooks? Don’t netizens want to know who is this officer and which branch is he from?”
“I don’t remember where I read this: money is power, power is law. If you have money, you are the law.”
Political artist Fahmi Reza was also quick to produce a cartoon depicting the officer with a quote that translates to “Cash is king. Kissing ass is our culture.”
— Fahmi Reza (@kuasasiswa) August 2, 2022
In 2020, Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali of the High Court found Najib guilty of seven criminal offenses for stealing RM42 million from SRC International.
He received a 12-year jail term and a RM 210 million fine from the judge. The Court of Appeal later affirmed the judgment.
Meanwhile, in the ongoing 1MDB trial, Najib is standing trial for corruption over the misappropriation of RM2.28 billion in 1MDB funds.
He faces 25 charges, four for abuse of power and 21 for money laundering, for offenses allegedly committed between 2011 and 2013.
