Attacks on Norza not cyberbullying say netizens
Nevertheless, netizens are still unhappy that some athletes did not have their coaches at the Olympics while officials brought their families. They believe their criticism is not cyberbullying
In defiance of an expert's opinion on the online criticism of Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Norza Zakaria’s family at the Paris Olympics, netizens are saying they did not engage in cyberbullying of the latter and his family, but instead, they used their right to criticise.
Academic Benjamin YH Loh said the online attacks against Norza Zakaria’s family were an example of “ethical cyberbullying”.
But netizens are saying while they are not experts in the matter of cyberbullying nor are they academicians, they reject the “ethical cyberbullying” comment by the expert.
Read More WF News
Kazi Mahmood
Cyberbullying or not??
Loh, a senior lecturer in media and communications, said the incident was a perfect example of a (partially) successful online activism or “ethical cyberbullying” and why the new social media licensing regulation could potentially outlaw this type of citizen activism.
“This is where the line between cyberbullying and holding civil servants accountable has to be determined.
“Is it focused on the individual at a personal level or their position? In this case, while the family is ‘attacked’, is it more (the claim) that they benefited from a gov perk (nepotism)?” said Loh in a post on social media platform X a few days ago.
Norza Zakaria defended his family's presence at the Paris Olympics but the controversy has also hastened his resignation as president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
In a statement, Norza said, “Seeing all these responses, my feeling right now, I am just going to say that I am resigning soon from BAM, which many people are aware of. I hope the next leader can improve the state of badminton affairs in our country.”
Norza explained that his wife and son, who were seen with him during the men’s doubles bronze medal match, were part of his “personal allocation” and did not fall under the team accreditation quota allocated to each National Olympic Committee (NOC).
Netizens on the matter
Nevertheless, netizens are still unhappy that some athletes did not have their coaches at the Olympics while officials brought their families.
A user, while disagreeing that the online attacks were bullying tactics, said in response to a post explaining the existence of two separate quotas, it did not address the issue of athletes not getting coaches. At the same time, it is fine to bring family on a working trip, not a holiday trip.
Another user believes the officials must accept criticism online and not get too 'jilted' in the process.
Some users are concerned that the new social media licensing will allow the authorities to censor such criticism and bury all wrongdoing.