“They helped develop the country” – Vivy Yusof criticised for her explanation on British colonisation
A history lesson explaining on British colonisation to her son has landed female entrepreneur Vivy Yusof on the receiving end of criticism.
In a short clip posted on her Insta-story, Vivy could be heard briefly explaining to her son that the British came to colonise the country in the past.
"They helped develop the country, that’s why we take photos of them,” explained Vivy as her son was admiring what appeared to be historical portraits of the past.
Her statement sparked a thread of conversations on social media, particularly Twitter where social media users weren’t too pleased with her statement on how the British helped to develop Malaysia.
“They helped build nice buildings yeah sure, but helped develop? I don’t know but that just doesn’t sit right with me. Definitely not telling any kids that the British helped develop the country,” – commented a Twitter user, @nabilahudatahar.
Another user @rfloh, said: “Interesting how many people note correctly that the British benefited from the resources of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak. But few people mention the labour power, the tin miners, the rubber tappers, that the British exploited.”
Meanwhile, @SheikhSharir said the British Colonial exploited our resources and left some for the Bangsawan, and crumbs for most. British may not be the worst colonial power but they are the root cause of some of Malaysia and World problems we are facing today. Takde diorang nak datang suka suka (They didn’t come here for fun).”
Other users lamented how this isn’t the first time Vivy has made a statement that triggered a chain of mixed reactions across social media. She has come under fire before on her views regarding working pregnant women.
Meanwhile, other foreign colonies are demanding an apology and slavery reparations from the United Kingdom.
This is in reference to a group of politicians, academicians and businessmen in Jamaica who are rejecting the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton to the Caribbean region.
The visit, coincides with the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence and the 70th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
In an open letter signed by major figures in Jamaica, they wrote how they don’t see the significance in celebrating 70 years of ascension of the Queen and it highlighted the “crimes against humanity” committed by the British Empire which include the exploitation of the indigenous people of Jamaica.
