Malaysians unconvinced by Rina’s high heels explanation

SEPANG: Cabinet minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun received more brickbats from Malaysians for wearing high heels at a flood relief centre.

Twitter user Ajip Kasa questioned how the Women, Family and Community Development Minister managed to change her attire except for her shoes when she visited a flood relief centre.

“She can change from baju kurung to a blouse but not her shoes?,” he asked.

Another user, Alfah Rosli also questioned why the government is asking for donations from the general public when it is supposed to have funds and budget.

“Government is asking for donation... where is our tax money?,” she questioned.

Twitter user Murtified said that the government should not be asking for donations.

“Give your money directly to proper non-governmental organisations like the Gurdwara for instance.

“Or get items and directly help them if you can,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rina said the criticism of her wearing high heels at a flood relief centre should not be turned into an issue.

The minister explained that she went straight to visit SJK (T) Saraswathy PPS in Jalan Klang Lama on Sunday in high heels because she had just attended an event at Mitec in Kuala Lumpur and left after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin delivered his speech.

“While at the event, I received messages about flood-affected areas and felt I needed to go to the ground to gauge the situation.

“I changed (from) my baju kurung to pants and blouse but in my rush, I didn’t have time to change my shoes.

“What is important is I want to ensure that the victims’ welfare is looked after.

“And I also want to check what else I can do to help them,” she said when asked to comment on the criticisms.

Rina said campaigns like “Do Not Donate Here” which discourage the public from donating to disaster relief funds organised by the government are inappropriate as the country is now dealing with a flood disaster.

She added that all resources should be utilised to help the flood victims and that the funds should reach the target groups.

“The money we raise (through the disaster relief fund) will be given to the people,” she told reporters after visiting a flood relief centre at SK Kota Warisan here yesterday.

She was commenting on the “Do Not Donate Here” campaign on social media after many people voiced their disagreement with the government for collecting donations for flood victims.

The campaign, however, encourages donors to contribute directly to NGOs.

“In situations like now, there is no need for such hashtags. Doesn’t matter who is doing it (raising money) as long as the recipients benefit and our aims are achieved,” Rina said.