WHEN one nails colours to a mast, it is best advised to be consistent in the stance and support for the ideals behind it.
This is especially true if that person happens to be a vocal critic of the Israeli regime and was a participant of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) that sought to ramp up pressure on Tel Aviv with its highly-publicised humanitarian mission.
Such is the scenario engulfing local celebrity and humanitarian activist Hazwani Helmi who alongside actress sibling Heliza recently made headlines for their heroics after being detained by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
Editor’s Note: The sisters were on the vessel named Hio which was intercepted by IDF on Oct 2 in international waters while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Both were later released by the Israeli authorities. Hazwani notably recounted the “brutal” and “cruel” treatment they experienced during their detention, including claims of being denied clean water.
However, the spotlight that has shone ever so brightly upon both sisters (as well as on the other GSF participants) has become somewhat too intense with their every move being scrutinised.
It has since come to pass that despite their very vocal condemnation to Israeli occupation of the West Bank, their opposition does not extend to boycotting Apple products.
Action smacks of hypocrisy
As highlighted in a post on Facebook by Muhammad Nasri Bin Azhar, the 28-year-old artiste described as the “Muslimah beatboxer” was seen enthusiastically and unashamedly taking snapshots using – gasp! – an Apple iPhone 17.
She was at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) Ke-37 in support of her sister who picked up the Best Supporting Actress award.
Now, given that Apple is one of the brands that have been targeted by boycotters for its alleged support of Tel Aviv, perhaps it would have been advisable that the TV host picked another make of smart phone.
Editor’s Note: As it is, the official BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement has not placed a priority consumer boycott on Apple but the US tech giant faces pressure and scrutiny due to its business ties to Israel and its supply chain practices.
The poster even suggested that it could be a master plan by Apple whereby it gave freebies to such personalities. The subliminal message was that if “Apple products are good enough for GSF members, it is good enough for you”.
The post has since generated 13K Likes, 5.3K comments and 2K shares at time of writing, underlining Malaysians’ love of such tittle tattle, especially where they get to pass judgement.
One commenter sarcastically opined that certain people were extra quick to set fire to Israeli flags but would hesitate to burn their iPhones.
Calling it “selective boycotts”, this commenter surmised that such individuals would only do away with items they can make do without which did NOT include the iPhone.
More than a few expressed contempt for what they perceived as milking the situation by opportunists riding the coattails of religion.
There were those who defended the actress who has appeared in Warrior Awang and Master Tok Gajah as a role model.
One commenter contended that it was commendable that this Terengganu-born lass has tried to raise awareness of the Palestinian conflict which is far preferable to “sitting at home shaking legs while bad-mouthing others’ efforts on Facebook.”
However, such messages of support were in short supply.
When the spotlight is on you, it can shine too brightly and risk burning one’s carefully curated reputation. As one commenter advised, be extra vigilant as “from your head to toe, people are watching you.”
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