Prime Minister Ismail Sabri is facing fierce criticism from netizens for a poster which he shared on Twitter in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2022.
In the tweet, he shared a photo of his wife Muhaini Zainal Abidin buttoning his shirt along with the following caption:
Happy International Women’s Day. The sacrifice of women knows no end and equal. Women are the hope of the nation, play a key role in an organisation, and contribute to the nation’s success.
Selamat Hari Wanita Sedunia.
— Ismail Sabri (@IsmailSabri60) March 8, 2022
Pengorbanan wanita tiada noktah dan tandingannya.
Wanita adalah harapan bangsa, berperanan besar dalam sesebuah organisasi dan menyumbang kepada kejayaan negara. pic.twitter.com/mGugBVqNlr
Despite the heartwarming words, several netizens slammed Sabri for insinuating that it was a woman’s job to help her husband button his clothes when he could do it himself.
#BreakTheBias sangat ya this post. Happy #IWD2022 Ladies. I’m here to remind you that our roles are not just wives… so do learn to button your bajus yourself. https://t.co/HSPQzpIFQc
— Syafiqah Syakira (@syakirasyzan) March 9, 2022
This sentiment was echoed by Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh, who chided local news outlet Bernama for the choice of picture and told them to “understand the theme this year”.
Saya setuju dengan quote peranan besar wanita dalam kejayaan negara tapi saya tidak setuju dengan gambar pilihan @bernamadotcom – understand the theme this year please. https://t.co/3nT23BD1fY
— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) March 8, 2022
Many also voiced their displeasure over the poster and were disgusted by its patriarchal theme.
One wrote, “Is it a woman’s job to button their husband’s shirt? What is this? Are we still in P. Ramlee’s era?”
On the other hand, some felt that the criticism was uncalled for and said that it was deeply rooted in stereotypes.
“Is it wrong to portray the image that women are capable of loving [their husband]? You all are trying to make everything negative”, one wrote.
Another wrote, “Some interpret this picture as ‘Behind every successful man is a woman.’ YB [Hannah Yeoh], this is trivial. You can do better.”
Was the poster sexist or was it misinterpreted? Share with us your thoughts!
Cover image via Twitter and The World Economic Forum.
