KUALA LUMPUR - Johor princess Tunku Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Ibrahim has defended herself and her brother for a Starbucks coffee purchase criticised online, saying it was a well-deserved break as she joins in a lot of charitable activities benefitting her own state.
In response to a question over her contributions and how her time is spent, the princess acknowledged that she does not contribute much to the country, but listed down her efforts to help the state’s residents.
“Personally me alone I don’t do much for the country but I do a lot for my state. I visit children’s hospital and cheer them up with gifts without the media around, my family have our own kembara mahkota every year for our rakyat in need, we’re part of the red crescent that helps flood victims etc, and other charity events such as helping the old folks home, foster kids and disabled children,” she wrote using her official Instagram account tunku_tun_aminah four days ago.
She went on to say that she does not use taxpayers’ money, citing a fast food outlet as her main income source.
“I myself also have not touch any ‘duit rakyat’ I only have 1 KFC in Jb as my main business, I work part time for my dad with our palm oil business. I’m part of the JBIFC to bring in more entertainment for Johor such as outdoor plays and music festivals. So I think with all these involvement, I do deserve some time out and leisure. Like enjoying this coffee. Thank you,” she also said in the lengthy comment.
Starbucks not cheap but hardly extravagant or exclusive
In a second comment, she said she is currently “rebranding and getting a fresh start” for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help “stray cats and dogs and shelters”, besides planning a tiger conservation sanctuary for Johor.
Her Instagram post four days ago that carried the words “Someone is very thirsty....”, along with a photograph of two cups of coffee — with part of coffee chain Starbucks’ logo detectable — has garnered 3,705 likes.
Global coffee chains such as Starbucks have beverage prices that are considerably higher than regular coffee shops and are considered a luxury for some, with one cup equivalent to the price of a meal or more.
Tunku Tun Aminah’s comments were in response to Instagram user “drag0nsle”’s comment: “Sometimes I wonder what u guys really do to our country”.
“its ok if I do nothing to my country bcs i did not receive any money for being raja&tunku or wtvr,” drag0nsle added when quizzed by another Instagram user over his or her contribution to the country.
Johor prince Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim also weighed in on his sister’s explanation and said “drag0nsle got owned oooh snap!”
“By the way I don’t do anything. I live in a hole and when the weather is nice I come out for a coffee with my sister.
“After visiting the old folks home with food for them, raising money with red crescent as I am chairman of red crescent community services, getting new furnitures for the hospital so family can have a comfortable place to sleep while looking after their loved ones, setting up an academy for young drivers, making deals with foreign investors for the city.....” he wrote in a comment using his account “tunku_idris” under his sister’s post.
Other Instagram users came to the Johor royal duo’s defence, with “nurashikinsaim” saying that the Johor royalty channels the government allowance to the needy instead of taking it, while “pabloescoba_qirul” said the Johor royal family have their own business and money.
Another Instagram user “adeleisabell” said Tunku Tun Aminah’s response showed that even a princess works instead of having an easy life in the palace, defending her as a normal human being that also needs rest and time to be happy, while Instagram user “azizi.aziz.773” suggested that “those who critised (sic) are just jealous they don’t have such luxury...”.
Instagram user “albertandrew7” told both the prince and princess that nobody will stop questioning them as royalty, but said only those who appreciate them will look up to them, adding: “Don’t ever stoop down to explain because you owe no one explanations. And no matter how much you explain, commoners will never stop question. Love and respect to JOHOR..”
Many other Instagram users expressed their pride of the princess and members of the Johor royal family, also stating they are proud to be Johoreans. - Malay Mail
Yes the demonisation strategy is spreading for whoever criticised Najib or pledge support for Tun Dr Mahathir.
ReplyDeleteEven Siti Nurhaliza and Rozita Che Wan were also demonised since both support TDM.
Dirty tactics just to protect their ill-gotten gains.