What was Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin thinking when he accused Sabah student Veveonah Mosibin of lying?
What did she do to upset him? Does he know the challenges faced by students, especially those from rural areas like the Orang Asli, and East Malaysia?
It is unconscionable for Zahidi to pick on Veveonah. He should have investigated her reasons for making her “24 Hours on a Tree” video. As a deputy minister, he has an army of aides and civil servants at his disposal.
Although he apologised for his remarks against the teenager, the damage had been done. He probably only apologised after the public vented their anger.
On Thursday, Zahidi had accused Veveonah of making her YouTube video to court fame as a YouTuber and get more likes on social media.
In early June, Veveonah recorded the preparations for her examinations, and the video went viral, and became a sensation among Malaysian and overseas viewers.
Her video showed her disappointment over the destruction of a hut she had built on a hill slope, where she could get better internet coverage, following heavy rain and strong winds.
Undeterred, she climbed a tree and stayed overnight in the branches. She had a few packets of rice and water for sustenance, stationery and a jacket to keep her warm.
If Zahidi had watched the video, he would have understood the trials and tribulations of many rural East Malaysian students.
Veveonah said her village does not have internet coverage or electricity. They light candles at night, and to save money, are asleep by 7pm.
The video also showed a glimpse into the life of a rural teenager. Like most children, Veveonah gets up early every morning to help her parents tap rubber. She outlined the perils of walking in the jungle such as being careful not to disturb a hornets’ nest due to their deadly sting.
However, Zahidi ignored Veveonah’s narrative and accused her of lying about taking an exam. He reportedly said: “There are no exams. We’ve checked. She is just a YouTuber who wants to make a name, she is famous for a moment, and she does it just for entertainment.”
He added: “We urge the parties to report to the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) if there is any blind spot or no (internet) coverage. We will immediately resolve the issue, especially when it comes to education.”
Despite numerous complaints about poor internet coverage in certain areas, the issue remains unresolved, but for a deputy minister to accuse Veveonah of lying is not acceptable.
Many rural and East Malaysian students like Veveonah do not have access to good and affordable education. Their list of problems is long: quality of education, transport costs, accommodation issues, high cost of books, tuition and items like laptops, etc. These children juggle study with work because they also have to help their parents provide for the family.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated their problems, but the deputy minister seems clueless about them.
Zahidi’s apology does not come across as sincere, since he tried to deflect his mistake by saying he obtained “incurrate information”.
Veveonah’s grit and determination to succeed, however, has impressed many. She has already won a scholarship to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), so there is no need to criticise her.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
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