[Watch] Red Carpet Treatment For Onn Hafiz’s First Day Of Work, Netizens Think It’s Unnecessary

The red carpet put out to welcome Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has been seen as a feudalistic practice and akin to idol worshipping.

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Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, 44, was sworn in as the 19^th Johor Menteri Besar on 15 March 2022 but he’s already facing criticism on his first day of work.

A video on Twitter allegedly showed workers rolling out a red carpet to welcome Onn Ghazi on his first day of work. His working hour starts at 10am.

Malaysia in a nutshell: rolling out a red carpet for an elected rep, who is meant to serve the people, just for turning up to work on their first day. And he starts work at 10am. https://t.co/NEGqXBf2hU
— Rahmah Ghazali (@rahmahghazali) March 17, 2022

Netizens said the red carpet treatment showed a feudalistic mindset in the country and it was akin to idol worshipping.

They believe that an elected representative is meant to serve the people and the whole fanfare was unnecessary.

By prioritising a government servant like royalty, a netizen said it’s no wonder Malaysia has its priorities upside down.

Sikap feudalistik yang tidak berkesudahan.
— Syam (@saifulhisyam) March 17, 2022

Can an elected rep request not to have this? This culture needs to stop. This feels like false idol worshipping. Just assign a work buddy and set a time to meet departments. Also, if he started at 10am, did he leave at 7pm?
— Hakim Ariff 🇲🇾 🎨 (@hakimostudio) March 17, 2022

Govt servant treated like royalty on the first day of work 🤭 that’s why M’sia has their priorities upside down
— islander (@domesticgod8) March 17, 2022

Another netizen said elected representatives could request not to have the red carpet treatment.

Some of them pointed out former Transport Minister Anthony Loke who refused to have the red carpet rolled out for him and instructed his office against such protocols on his first day in office.

He also said time was wasted when civil servants were told to queue and welcome ministers or escort them during events.