Prime Minister Ismail Sabri’s shirt has once again become the subject of Malaysians after his RM6,900 red shirt from Burberry caught the eyes of the public.
In a series of photos and videos of Ismail Sabri posted on his official Facebook account, he can be seen greeting the people at the Putrajaya Recreational Day and Jom Heboh Carnival events, which were attended by many Malaysians.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t the event or his gestures that caught netizens’ attention, but the red, slogan-printed short sleeve shirt that he was wearing. A quick check on Burberry’s website showed that the shirt costs RM6,900.
Ketika kos sara hidup meningkat…
— 🇲🇾 Nik Nazmi (@niknazmi) June 26, 2022
Pelik juga PM utamakan Bahasa Kebangsaan tapi utamakan jenama penjajah. pic.twitter.com/6Et6Vvfy7S
Commenting on the shirt, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad criticised Ismail for his pricey pick amid the rising cost of living.
“It is strange that the PM prioritises the national language but highlights a ‘colonial’ brand,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil also took a swipe at the prime minister, sharing a TikTok video highlighting his affordable Casio watches and Uniqlo brand clothes.
— Fahmi Fadzil 🇲🇾🏴 (@fahmi_fadzil) June 26, 2022
On the other hand, Padang Rengas MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz defended Ismail Sabri and told Astro Awani that it is not uncommon for the prime minister to receive clothes and other luxury goods as gifts.
“Fahmi should ask his boss (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim. When he was deputy prime minister, many gifted him expensive items and branded goods, including clothes.”
“When you get gifts, we should wear them to show gratitude, not leave them in the cupboard,” he was quoted as saying.
SIAPA KATA EKONOMI KITA TERUK?#ismailsabri #Burberry #barangnaik #KeluargaMalaysia#mael #maluapa #boskur pic.twitter.com/4d2KeQ81Bv
— Zunar Cartoonist (@zunarkartunis) June 27, 2022
However, his comments did not go well with some netizens as they expressed their frustration for having to struggle with minimum wages while the prime minister drowns himself in luxury wear.
“I don’t care if he can afford it the shirt but when the people are struggling, don’t flex that expensive shirt,” commented a netizen.
Last month, Ismail came under fire for wearing a Burberry white, black, and blue collared shirt that is believed to be priced at RM5,500 during his meeting with Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong in Tokyo, Japan.
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