White Flag - Unicorn

 White flag. What do you understand by it? Google it down and you will see that it is a flag symbol to surrender, truce, or desire to parley. But, what does White Flag in Malaysia mean? And the main question is why is this a pretty big issue? So let's take a swift look at it.

This white flag campaign was started by a young man, who said he saw a post on social media called #benderaputih, or the so-called white flag that was started by Malaysians for those in need of food or any other personal needs and essentials. Mr Zulkiflie said that he was sad that he couldn't provide for his family as the head of the house due to his financial difficulties. So, he flew a white flag as what he saw on social media and he was shocked to find that help came for his family immediately. He was really thankful for the people who helped him with his issue. 

Now, moving on, let's look at what our dearest MP from the Malaysian Political Party said about this issue that raised a dispute among everyone. First of all, he said that we should not admit defeat when we are facing challenges. He also asked those affected to pray instead of accepting defeat. Yes, that is true. We should not accept defeat at all. We should never give up. But, asking for help doesn't mean we are accepting defeat. It means that we are never giving up just because of the challenges faced and see life differently on a more bright side. You can ask God to help you overcome hurdles in your life but it takes one's self-belief and hard work to actually not depend fully on god's side and overcome the challenges faced. As the saying goes, God helps only those who help themselves. Yes, it is a test in life but that doesn't mean you got to keep on praying all along and not take action. Action speaks louder than words. Have you all not heard it? So, I am sure that it is not wrong to ask for help because if you ask, you will be a fool for a minute, but if you don't, you will be a fool forever. In conclusion, I am certainly not saying that what the MP said was wrong. What he said is indeed true, but along with praying you should also work for it. 

Next, I think we all should also be aware of how preposterous Malaysian's famous multimillionaire's words are. Recently, she posted a video on her Tik Tok account on her opinion about the White Flag. Well, I agree it is her opinion on what she thinks about it but it was and must I say utter rubbish and ridiculous. Let's look at her words and I quote "Do you understand? Work hard and don't be lazy by putting up a white flag". So, Miss, I would really ask what do you mean by "Don't be lazy"? This is absurd I must tell you. For your kind information, it has been 15 months since the Covid - 19 outbreak occurred in Malaysia and there was not even a single person who raised this so-called White Flag during this time. Well, you may ask me why now suddenly? This then shows how critical the situation is. What do you gain and what are doing by being a multimillionaire Miss?  Are you trying to be more famous by talking all this absolute rubbish? She also stated in the video that those who do not have jobs and are suffering financially go for hawker business. But, imagine. Let me give you an example, what if there is a certain person whose family consists of at least 7-8 members in the house. You need at least RM 3000 to RM 5000 to put on a shop near the streets together with the necessities needed. Where do you want this person to find that money if they are supporting a big family? The lowest wage given in Malaysia is from RM 900 to RM 1200. An average person needs to spend at least RM 400 to RM 600 per month just for groceries. As an example, from vegetables to meat. How do you expect a household to withhold in this situation? So, Miss, tell me, how are you able to talk about people when I am sure you certainly know nothing about them? Do you know how much they are suffering? It is clear as crystal that the answer is a hard no. So, I would really like to ask you Miss Vida to at least survey or research before putting on these types of videos with absurd details and also to offer a hand to people who are having a hard time. That would certainly make you favoured by the people. 

Next, we should take a slight glance at Mr Lim and his wife. Mr Lim who stays at Kampung Cempaka, Petaling Jaya with his wife said that he was not shy to admit that he does not have savings anymore. He put up the white flag after one of his friends tipped him off about this new movement. It seems that he and his wife were actually living off instant noodles every day till last Thursday when help was offered. In this case, it was also noted that many people are not raising the white flag and ask for help due to the embarrassment which will be faced later on. To all the readers out there, please remember that you will not die out of embarrassment but you will surely die out of hunger. You should also remember that no one has the right to judge you. 

Moreover, I think we should also with a heavy heart sympathize with a strong and brave woman who posted on social media that she is raising a white flag because she has no job. She also said that she don't need food or any other essentials but job vacancies. She lost he job during the MCO period and is finding jobs now. Hats off and bravo to this lady as she is not shy or embarrassed to post about her current situation not to forget her bravery for giving the fight to help herself from her arduous situation. Now, this is what I am talking about for taking action to help yourself rather than being mortified of your situation.

Lastly, for today let's take a look at what the Kedah Cheif Minister said. This statement was reported by the Malay language daily newspaper - Utusan Melayu as saying that the state government would not recognise those who are using the white flag as a sign of needing essential throughout the lockdown period. He also claimed that this white flag campaign is political propaganda to create the perception that the government had failed in the eyes of society. Well, Mr Cheif Minister, I would like to ask you to see all this situation from a  different perspective, in a different eye. Put yourself in the shoes of those in need.  Then, you might see that this never has been and never will be political propaganda but a sign of asking for help. The saying goes, if you are bitter at heart, sugar in your mouth would not help you. Recently, the news of high theft cases at the Mydin Mohamed Holding Berhad is leaving Malaysians in a grip. People are shoplifting because they are facing financial difficulties. Our dear Chief Minister is telling us that we should not raise the white flag and instead ask for help officially by phoning in to the local disaster control centres. There are so many who are suffering financially. Are you sure the government will be able to help each and every person if they make a phone call? I certainly don't think so. If the chief minister is still obstinate to hold on to what he said previously then might I quote that he prefers shoplifting rather than the white flag? Well, this leads us to a question to the government. Are you guys preferring shoplifting rather than supporting the white flag? Those in need do not want to post their hardship on social media or telling out others because most people are still insecure about being judged. So, I urge you to see this situation in a different way and start helping others instead of refusing them because a willing helper does not wait to be asked. 

That's all for today and I hope everything will be well in a sooner time. With that said, see you again. Stay home, follow the SOP and Stay Safe. Bye and take care. 

Love, 

Unicorn