SHAH ALAM - The popular American-Malaysian Kumaar family has sparked controversy by publicly endorsing US Vice President Kamala Harris in a recent video.
Posted on their Instagram, the video showcased the 'demure' trend and quickly garnered strong reactions from their followers, including Malaysians and supporters of former President Donald Trump.
The couple, Logesh Kumaar and Rachel Kumaar, who married in 2014 and have two sons, Zaden and Kyren, expressed their support for Harris ahead of the upcoming US elections in November, where Harris is set to run against Republican candidate Donald Trump, following President Joe Biden’s resignation.
The video, which has amassed over 35,000 views in nine hours, sparked significant backlash.
Criticism came from both Malaysians concerned about Palestinian rights and Trump supporters, many arguing that Trump is the better candidate for the US.
In the video, Logesh highlighted Harris's skin colour, saying that the latter was relatable to many people of colour in the US.
He praised her for being ‘very demure’ and ‘very relatable’, while also mentioning her plans to provide ‘bigger tax deductions for small businesses, first-time homeowners, and more,’ which he described as ‘very encouraging’ and ‘very aspirational.’
Rachel, on the other hand, supported Harris's efforts to curb gun violence, which she linked to the safety of children in the US.
She also pointed to Harris's strong advocacy for women's rights, praising her stance as ‘very respectable’ and ‘very thoughtful.’
However, the couple's support for Harris triggered a storm of negative comments.
Instagram user @fifi_abdullah wrote, "She supports genocide and kills innocent babies. She is a Zionist and not worth mentioning. Unfollowing!"
Another user, @itsmadthing, expressed outrage: "Not a single post supporting Palestine, yet you guys are posting this genocide enabler. Congratulations, you just lost a follower."
Other users echoed similar sentiments, with @sugarweb888 saying, "You guys have gone way off track. I am disappointed in you for coming up with this video. I used to admire your video content but talking about politics is not you. As a Malaysian, I am truly sad. Kamala does not deserve your mention. This is a total letdown.”
While some argue that Harris is the 'lesser of two evils', many critics took issue with her support for Israel.
Although Harris had previously called for a ceasefire in Palestine and backed an arms embargo against Israel, during a recent debate with Trump, she reiterated her support for Israel without addressing the ongoing genocide accusations.
The stance has alienated many, particularly those sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.