“Are you a doctor?”: Netizens chide the PM for saying Bella has recovered

“Are you a doctor?”: Netizens chide the PM for saying Bella has recovered




YESTERDAY (April 23), Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob took some time to visit abused teenager, Bella, who is now sheltered by the Welfare Department (JKM).

While the PM announced the formation of a special Cabinet committee to address the plight of the vulnerable, he also raised eyebrows by saying that Bella has completely recovered.


“I met Bella today and she has recovered. The teenager is also in high-spirits to mingle with others. I would like thank the caregivers here for their great work,” Astro Awani reported him as saying. “And I’m sure Bella’s case is not the only one in the country. Apart from abuse, we also have to address issues such as orphans sent to homes without proper documentation and unregistered private homes.”


Ismail Sabri’s arbitrary announcement on Bella’s recovery did not sit well with netizens who later took to social media to chide the PM.


“Kata pm, kata doktor2?” asked user The Rakyat Xchange.


(So says the prime minister but what about the doctors?)



Echoing The Rakyat Xchange sentiments, user Suresh added: “Why the doctors haven’t say any single word about Bella recovery?

“Recovery is not same as cured … Recovery means physical health recovery … mental health recovery …”



Netizen Zafri Zulkeffeli retorted: “trauma dia hilang dah? (So, her trauma is gone?)



Recently, Malaysian got a rude shock after it was found that Rumah Bonda founder, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali had been abusing Bella, a girl with Down Syndrome who was placed under her care.

It was said that Siti Bainun had been abusing Bella for almost four months between March and June last year.

During the court proceedings, disturbing details started emerging on how Bella was abused where she was scalded and her food was spiked with vinegar and chilli.

The case even received attention from the Johor Palace with Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his wife Che Puan Khaleeda Bustamam sending lawyers on behalf of Bella to hold watching brief.

Siti Bainun is currently facing trial under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years or a fine of RM50,000 or both, upon condition.

Insensitive

On that note, netizens reminded Ismail Sabri that while Bella’s physical injuries may have recovered, there is no telling on how the trauma and emotional scars would affect her future.

“Nope .. kau cakap apa yang kau nampak dari segi luaran … dalam fikiran dia , TAK !!! … trauma ni lain !!! Trauma akan kekal !!! Netizen tak bodoh !!” said user Little Girl in Big World.

(No … what you see is recovery on the physical part … not mentally. Trauma is different is it will remain forever … netizens are not stupid)



Netizen Saya remarked: “Dia punya trauma akan dibawa sampai ke akhir hayat dia. Dia tidak akan pulih seperti sediakala. Awak ada anak atau cucu sedemikian?”

(Her trauma will last forever. Bella will never recover from this completely. Would the prime minister say this if it was his child or grandchild in that predicament?) – April 24, 2022.





(Photo credit: Berita Harian)