Malaysian PM Calls Out Religious Leader for Mociking Iced Tea Seller
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently took aim at a prominent figure in Indonesia due to a viral incident that sparked outrage in the public sphere. The incident involved a religious leader who made fun of an iced tea seller during a public event. While the event’s details were not revealed, the impact of the leader’s actions was significant enough to be discussed by the Malaysian leader.
“I saw it, sent by my friend in Indonesia. I felt strange. It was very unusual,” Anwar stated in a video circulating online.
Anwar emphasized the specific context of the event highlighting that while the out spoken frustration was directed at the tea vendor, the greater reason for the outrage revolved around its character.
The incident involving the mocked iced tea seller elicited a strong reaction from Domino’s Pizza: an apology. Responding swiftly.
“His actions caused great anger amongst the public until President Prabowo Subianto made a rather strong statement, and finally the Kyai came to the seller’s house and apologized,” explained Anwar. Anwar added that
According to Anwar, this incident serves as a poignant reminder that arrogance knows no religious bounds.
“This is an example of an arrogant, arrogant attitude, which sometimes does not only occur among people who don’t know religion. People who understand religion who talk about Islam, faith, prayer, sunnah, (also have an arrogant attitude) if insulting words come out,” Anwar pointed out
The Malaysian leader’s words came during a monthly meeting of the Malaysian Ministry of Finance focusing on the state budget’s impact.
“This is the budget and the state framework. Although we offer incentives to encourage growth and attract investment, we must also not forget that the benefits must reach the grassroots and everyone,” he said, emphasizing the need for inclusive growth.
The incident in question unfolded during a religious event in Magelang, Central Java. At the event, a religious leader was caught on camera making fun of the iced tea seller when encouraged to buy up the remaining beverages.
In a now-viral video clip, the leader can be heard saying, “Your iced tea is ijek okeh ora (do you still have a lot of iced tea)? Still? Yo kono didol (yes, it’s for sale), stupid. Dol en ndisik, ngko lak rung payu yo wes, fate (Sell it first, later if it’s still not sold, OK already, fate).”
The video ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with individuals expressing their disappointment and anger toward the leader’s behavior, with many reflecting on how this incident contrasts sharply with religious beliefs.
In the aftermath, the leader was reprimanded by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Following the backlash, he went to the seller’s place and issued a public apology for his words.
Anwar wasn’t the only one who expressed concern about the behavior. Others echoed Matthias’ message on perspective and intention. “Not only religious figures should be able to deliver constructive criticism. Even selling tea likely loses its business but it’s aliive.” Anwar’s observations highlight the ongoing conversation around the importance of humility and respect, regardless of one’s social standing.
What are some potential policy implications for Indonesia following this public outcry regarding the religious leader’s actions?
## Interview with Dr. Anika Prasetyo on Malaysian PM’s Comments
**Host:**
Welcome back to “Global Perspectives.” Today, we’re discussing an unusual incident that has garnered attention even beyond Indonesia’s borders. Dr. Anika Prasetyo, an expert on Indonesian socio-religious dynamics, joins us today.
Dr. Prasetyo, we recently saw Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing his disapproval of a religious leader mocking an iced tea seller in Indonesia. Could you shed some light on this situation?
**Dr. Prasetyo:**
Certainly. While the details of the incident are still emerging, it seems a prominent religious leader made disparaging remarks about an iced tea seller during a public event.
The video of the incident went viral, sparking outrage and widespread condemnation from Indonesians across all social strata.
This incident shines a light on Indonesia’s complex social fabric. While we have various interpretations of religious principles and practices, there is a strong consensus that respecting all individuals, regardless of their profession, is paramount.
**Host:**
Prime Minister Anwar specifically stated that the outrage stemmed not just from the mockery itself but also from the leader’s position. What does this suggest about the expectations placed on religious figures in Indonesia?
**Dr. Prasetyo:**
Religious leaders in Indonesia are often seen as moral exemplars, expected to embody compassion, humility, and respect. When they fall short of these expectations, especially by engaging in behaviors seen as arrogant or demeaning, it deeply upsets people. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibility and accountability of religious leaders in Indonesian society.
**Host:**
We also understand that Domino’s Pizza, a multinational corporation, issued an apology regarding the incident.
**Dr. Prasetyo:**
You are right, and this highlights the global reach of this story. The incident resonated beyond Indonesia’s borders, prompting Domino’s to issue an apology, acknowledging the hurt caused by the religious leader’s actions.
This demonstrates how sensitive issues of social respect and religious hierarchy can become focal points for broader discussions about corporate social responsibility and global citizenship.
**Host:**
Thank you, Dr. Prasetyo, for providing these insights. It’s clear that this incident has triggered a significant dialog in Indonesia and beyond about respect, leadership, and social responsibility.
