MOH did what? Ministry’s Twitter admin has a bit of fun with 'Doraemon voice'

PETALING JAYA: The Women and Family Development Ministry's "Doraemon voice" debacle has been covered by the international media and sparked off a massive backlash in social media.

But it has also inspired a horde of creative and funny memes, and it looks like even the Health Ministry tapped into its funny bone over the issue.

It suggested parents could mimic the childlike voice of the popular Japanese anime character to keep their children entertained during the movement control order (MCO).

“Suitable activities for young children at home to avoid them or their parents from feeling bored.

“Maybe you can do the 'Doraemon voice' to entertain young children, ” it tweeted on Thursday (April 2).

The tweet was later deleted.

The Health Ministry appeared to be referring to criticisms over a “Kebahagiaan Rumahtangga” (Household happiness) poster by the Women and Family Development Ministry, which was widely criticised for being sexist.

The poster sparked off criticisms by civil societies and politicians, with many slamming the ministry for suggesting women behave in a subservient manner.

But the Health Ministry’s "Doraemon" tweet – before it was taken down – appeared well-received by Twitter users, who praised them for their sense of humour.

“I can feel the sarcasm" tweeted Bryan Foo.

“That is a good one. The most ‘win’ tweet of the MCO, ” tweeted Shashi Nair.

After receiving flak from multiple quarters for allegedly being “sexist” over its portrayal of women, the Women and Family Development Ministry subsequently apologised and took down the posters from its social media accounts on March 31.