Category Archives: Current Events

Divorce going public

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When I first came across the news of Cik Epal’s upcoming divorce from her ex-husband, I was taken aback. Cik Epal and Jofliam were often seen as the ultimate power couple in the blogging world. Cik Epal had already made her mark long before Instagram and TikTok became popular, standing out as one of the top bloggers of her era, back when blog-hopping was all the rage. As a reader, I’ve always associated the couple with their luxurious and somewhat open lifestyle. However, this just goes to show that, as outsiders, we can never truly know what goes on behind closed doors.

Earlier, in Fazura’s situation (another public figure), it gives off an impression of neglect, possibly due to her extroverted nature and independent outlook on life. It almost feels like her partner may have forgotten to shower her with the affection and care she deserves as the love of his life. Regarding the nafkah issue, I understand where she’s coming from. While her husband may have fulfilled the obligatory nafkah by providing shelter and food, she seems to long for more thoughtful gestures, like receiving pocket money. Although it’s not mandatory, any wife would surely appreciate the “princess treatment,” especially from a man who earns well through his movies and business ventures. I know I certainly did whenever I received the occasional, unexpected duit raya.

In Cik Epal’s case, I was appalled to learn that the situation involved an extramarital affair between her partner and a co-worker. However, another thought crossed my mind. The next woman in his life would have some big shoes to fill, especially if he still wanted to remain in the spotlight. Cik Epal has been building her brand since her youth, and no amount of fame on Instagram or TikTok could rival the loyal fanbase she cultivated through her blog. In fact, we, her readers, accepted her husband largely because he was Cik Epal’s husband—not because of his own social media presence. Even now, Cik Epal continues to thrive, bolstered by a network of peers within the industry.

When it comes to public figures like Fazura and Cik Epal, divorce often becomes a highly scrutinized affair, especially when children are involved. Beyond the emotional toll, the situation can get increasingly complicated as decisions about custody, co-parenting, and the children’s well-being come into play. The messiness isn’t just about dividing assets or managing public perception—it’s also about ensuring that the kids are shielded from unnecessary drama. For individuals like Fazura and Cik Epal, who have built strong personal brands, navigating these challenges under the public eye adds another layer of pressure. At the heart of it all, however, is the hope that both parents can rise above the differences for the sake of their children, ensuring their needs and emotional security come first.

The power of social media journalists

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The marital dispute involving Zahnita, a former Malaysian model, has recently come to light. After 20 years of marriage, she filed a police report for domestic violence, leading to her husband being detained by the authorities. What saddens me is how popular news portals and social media platforms have chosen to frame the narrative. While it’s understandable that sensational stories drive engagement and shares online, I believe more could be done to educate the public about the broader issues surrounding this case. Better still, they should leave out the children from this. We’ve all been teenagers. We’ve been in that stage of life where we think we know everything. Yet, we should be able to realize that whatever we knew as teenagers was far from the reality of things once we reach adulthood.

For example;

  • A focus on what entails domestic violence (DV). DV is not just physical assaults. Sexual, psychological and financial are also part of DV. However, the public needs to know the criteria of circumstances that qualify for their situations to be perceived as DV. Then, show them the way to how they could get help.
  • Explain what Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is from a medical professional point of view. It’s better than having netizens sharing their opinions on what NPD is based on ChatGPT and then passing it off as their own thoughts. I used to have an opinion of what Personality Disorder is. However, once I learned properly about it, I noted that it was not necessarily Kevin Wendell (from SPLIT). You would need a medical professional trained in Psychiatry to assess and confirm the diagnosis.
  • Single parents and survival strategies.
  • Family counselling therapies. It’s benefits and information about facilities that provide them. People tend to think that counselling is just ‘talking about your problems’. Counselling is a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing, where compassion meets guidance to empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges and embrace their fullest potential.

Instead, we find ourselves reading a teenager’s claim that “nothing happened,” with some people readily accepting her words. In reality, abuse often occurs behind closed doors but can also manifest publicly, including through the psychological torment inflicted via social media. Disagreements in a marriage happen, but to abuse is to betray the very foundation of love and trust that a partnership is built upon.

And now we are talking about pie recipes? Seriously?

Ina Naim, Selamat Pengantin Baru

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As much as I am not a fan of Ina Naim and her late husband’s parenting techniques and lifestyle, I feel that there is nothing wrong with her entering marriage life again. After all, it was a choice she made at her own will with her kid’s best interest in mind. It is not a crime to find love and comfort in the arms of another man after the passing of her husband.

I was honestly flabbergasted at the comments left by other women on her wedding news. Things like, “How could you forget your own husband already”? or “You are being selfish, you should think about your children!”

Ina Naim is a mother of 4. Before this, she had no income of her own and depended heavily on her husband for matters of everyday living. To have Khairul, her new husband, in her life is a huge step as they have to come to terms with the changes that will happen with this union. I really hope this man can be a great father figure to her children and that Ina Naim will be showered with much love and respect as a wife and mother.

I mean, shouldn’t we all wish the best for everybody? A little bit of thought and kindness goes a long way.

This is a challenging moment to be Vivy Yusof

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Ever since the Khazanah x PNB investment loss of 43M came to light, netizens have not stopped asking for an explanation of what went wrong with Fashion Valet. Many have demanded that the husband and wife duo/founder of the company step forth and clarify the news to the public.

I thought it was interesting to discover that a lot of people actually do not want FV to succeed. So many people were talking trash about her. In fact, ever since Vivy was portrayed in mass media at least more than a decade ago for her bright idea of championing local designers to Malaysians through an online platform, people were still sceptical of her talent. She had the privilege of using Daddy’s money (which is true) and that somehow placed her in a rank similar to those who are not regarded as true entrepreneurs. For example, celebrity turned businesswoman or brand ambassadors etc. As opposed to those who have trouble securing a grant or a loan to kick-start their business. Even then, I still thought that if someone used Daddy’s Money and lacked entrepreneurial talent, the money would still go down the drain. Instead, Vivy’s business thrived and more people began to appreciate the works of our local designers. We should applaud that.

Even I was influenced to grab something from FV or more precisely dUCK. Too bad, I am not a fan of their collection and just bought a few scarves packaged beautifully in their signature purple boxes. Enough to convince myself that I was once part of the crowd. The interest towards the brand waned off sooner than I thought simply because of the high price tag. Although I could afford it, I did not think that it was worth my hard earned money. And so, FV or dUCK was just a ‘catalogue’ I enjoy browsing from time to time because of it’s aesthetic nature. While it’s visually appealing, it requires considerable contemplation before making a purchase. A RM300 scarf or RM400 tote could get me quality groceries for two weeks.

Over the course of time, it is expected that the designers no longer need FV to grow their brand and presence as digital technology has become more accessible and cost-effective to manage on their own. This was what I grasped from her book, The First Decade. To me, the book did not have a forceful presence like Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ or “My Name Is Hasmah” by Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. It felt like reading her blog as the tone is perceived as quick-paced. I could actually hear her voice in my head while reading. Even then, it wasn’t a book without substance at all. There were poignant moments that made you understand that running an online business is not as easy as it sounds.

Investments are bound to succeed or incur losses. What angered the public was that the loss was too huge and FV’s apology was deemed childish. What’s more, Vivy parades her luxurious lifestyle which gives an ick to those who have always been against her from Day 1. I honestly feel bad for her because I feel that she is receiving an inappropriate amount of hate simply due to her being already rich (generational wealth) and yet still being able to secure funds from Khazanah x PNB. In other words, using taxpayer’s money. According to the public, it should have been put to better use by these investors to support other promising and viable ventures. Honestly, I am not affluent in the business world. Hence, I trust that Khazanah X PNB would know what they are doing. Still, this issue does give me this unrested feeling that privileged members of society do have it easier sometimes. Thankfully, the investment made by PNB did not come from our ASNB subscription.

Anyway, I look forward to the turnaround of FV in the hands of NXBT Partner as the majority stakeholder of the business. I believe despite the setbacks, the couple will find a way to rise up again. True entrepreneurs always do. Perhaps in the future, the founders can approach matters with enhanced perspectives and establish an online presence that focuses on less contentious issues with other local e-commerce players.

Glorified beings

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Recently a senior physician kicked up a storm with the fraternity of Family Medicine Specialist and Public Health Specialist. She said the earlier was a ‘glorified MO’ whereas the latter was a gone case. I knew immediately based on this comment that he/she is probably one of those doctors who say they can sleep only 2 hours a day and have seen millions of patients in their lifetime. Her words were basically an insult to the experience and expertise the FMS and Public Health Specialists have regarding to their realm of knowledge.

Perhaps she did not weigh in on the patient factor when saying that FMS failed to manage their patients early. Here’s the thing. In Klinik Kesihatan, we deal with patients with a disease that is well. This means they do not experience symptoms of system failure or complications from a disease. Despite the advice, they’d be saying ‘I feel well, I do not agree with the treatment plan’. Or ‘If it gets worse, I would go to the hospital’. In case the physician forgets, there is something called autonomy and consent. Hence, no matter how well the intention is to make the patient better, if they refuse, they have the right to do so.

Till now, the FMS and Public Health fraternity have yet to receive their public apology but I heard that the physician’s comrades have taken note of her conduct formally and seriously. There will be repercussions although I have no idea as to what it will be.

Altercations between disciplines are inevitable. However, to take it to social media may not be the wisest channel to vent and rant. Often there are times I’d feel the same about my counterparts in the hospital but experience and professionalism as a senior MO (or is it glorified HO now?) refrained me from doing that.

The fall to the ground is more painful when you are at your peak. So, be careful.