Socks, temples, and Boeing: Zaid slams hypocrisy in anti-US protests

Socks, temples, and Boeing: Zaid slams hypocrisy in anti-US protests


Published: Mar 28, 2025 9:48 AM
Updated: 12:59 PM


Summary

• Ex-law minister accuses Muslim leaders of being hypocrites as they rail against local issues involving socks and temples in the name of defending Islam but gladly trade with the US.

• Zaid points out that M’sia need not trade with the US, which is helping to perpetrate genocide, following MAG’s purchase of 30 Boeing aircraft from the US.

Zaid Ibrahim has strongly criticised what he calls the "cowardice" of Muslim leaders, accusing them of hypocrisy for expressing outrage over local issues like socks and temples while continuing trade with the US.

His remarks on X came just ahead of Amanah president Mohamad Sabu’s planned solidarity gathering for Palestinians outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur after Friday prayers.

The former law minister’s frustration was triggered by Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) decision to purchase 30 Boeing aircraft.

“Our Muslim leaders like to stage protests against America. Today is another day of protest," he said.

“I am appalled at the cowardice of our Muslim leaders. They protested and showered abuse against minorities in the country over a multitude of issues, including the socks and temples, ostensibly to defend the integrity of Islam.

“But they gladly ordered 30 Boeing aircraft from America, (which is helping to perpetrate) the mother of the worst genocide this century,” he added.

Zaid pointed out that without US funding and bombs, Israel’s war, which has claimed over 50,000 lives, would not be possible.

“Boeing made the aircraft carrying these bombs,” he stressed, questioning whether such actions aligned with the Quran’s description of “munafiqun” (hypocrites).

No need to trade with US

While the world is taking steps to show its disgust toward US policies, Zaid lamented that Malaysia was doing the opposite.

“Do we not have any shame to be supportive of the senseless killings done to the Palestinians and now the Yemenis?

“We don't have to trade with or buy things from America. We can survive. Other countries poorer than us have survived their sanctions. It's only temporary,” he added.

Zaid also urged Malaysian leaders not to follow in the footsteps of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Middle Eastern monarchs.

“What is the point of Mat Sabu’s protest against America when billions are being spent on Boeing?

“They pretend to oppose genocide when they are helping America to help (Israeli PM Benjamin) Netanyahu, the serial killer. How much Palestinian blood must they shed in exchange for the wealth they received?” he added.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu

Yesterday, several pro-Palestinian NGOs also called for the Boeing deal to be scrapped, arguing that it contradicts Malaysia’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights and its opposition to Israeli aggression.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that MAG, which operates Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, had ordered 30 Boeing 737 aircraft - 18 Boeing 737-8s and 12 Boeing 737-10s - set for delivery by 2030.

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kt comments:

Good onya Zaid, besides I've also lost my confidence in Boeing products.