Twelve-thousand taxi drivers gathered late last week to receive their 1Malaysia Taxi Assistance Card at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
However, pandemonium ensued as soon as the gates were open, with a throng of drivers pushing down barriers, rushing into the hall, cutting the queue as fast as was humanly possible. Unfortunately, in the scramble, dozens fell, 30 drivers were injured, and some came to blows over a card promised to them by Prime Minister Najib Razak, that came preloaded with RM800 worth of petrol or NGV (natural gas for vehicle) that could be redeemed at Petronas stations around the country.
Although authorities report that the majority of drivers complied with authorities at the event, the widely broadcast photo in the milieu of the frenzy left social media divided, wondering where have I seen this before, after an epic photo by Sarien Nafis made its way online.
Two of Kuala Lumpur’s most erudite, voices were quick to weigh in:
Was it a scene from a beer hall Renaissance painting, done in the fashion of a 16th century European painter, come to life – as pointed out by Farez Khan, one half of DANGERDISKO, and forever one of our favorite social media commentators?
Or was it a slice out from a punk show, as posited by Jiman Casablancas, Creative Director of Tarik Jeans, and pop culture encyclopedia? He pointed out how it looked eerily reminiscent of Dan Witz’s 2014 painting, Free For All; which later became the inspiration for the Dior Homme AW2017 collection.
We can’t decide. When two observations are too on point, we’re just going to have to deem them both right.
However, jokes aside — one social media user cut straight to the chase:
Angst. A lot of angst
