PETALING JAYA – A clip of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba getting mixed up between the Spanish Flu and Spanish fly has gone viral on the Internet, triggering a storm of laughter over his Freudian slip.
In the video, Adham could be heard mentioning “Spanish fly” at least twice throughout his speech at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
“In 1916, the Spanish ‘fly’ had killed about a million people around the world, and it lasted for two years…Spanish fly.”
However, he soon realized his mistake and quickly switched to ‘Spanish virus’ instead.
Ya, Spanish wabak la (Spanish Flu in Malay). Its not “Spanish fly”, it’s Spanish virus.”
Adham’s gaffe quickly garnered the attention of netizens on Twitter, with many mocking him with the hashtag #SpanishFly.
Former Education Minister Maszlee Malik also joined in the banter, tweeting that the “Spanish Fly” was a dangerous wrestling move, followed by a Dios Mío (meaning ‘Oh, my God’ in Spanish) meme.
Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming also sarcastically tweeted that “Is #SpanishFly trending in Malaysia yet?”
Stand-up comedian Dr. Jason Leong, who is a former doctor himself, took a shot at Adham, sarcastically saying that he could be a better candidate for the job.
I honestly think I can be a better health minister. Heck, an actual fly can do a better job. #Spanish fly,” he said.
You can watch the full video here.
How is this guy even a Doctor?? Spanish Fly?? ????????♂️????????♂️????????♂️ pic.twitter.com/Inyoon3ZLG
— Feekry???????????????????????? (@Feekry4u) July 12, 2021
Cover Image via Twitter/@Feekry4u
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
