KUALA LUMPUR – A lighthearted 'pantun' (poem) battle between deputy finance ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Steven Sim Chee Keong appears to have received plaudits from netizens, with many praising them for the initiative.
The two lawmakers can be seen exchanging poems in Bahasa Malaysia in an approximately one-minute-long video uploaded by them on several social media platforms.
The friendly competition was accompanied by colourful animations and upbeat music.
Twitter users were quick to react to the video, with many pointing out that the two MPs had traded "higher quality" rhymes compared to those presented by PAS's Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Sulaiman during his debate with Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
Wishing bravo to both Umno's Pontian MP Ahmad and DAP's Bukit Mertajam MP Sim, one user by the name of @AbangDen2013 said that the video depicts the kind of 'celoteh' (chatter) that citizens like to see.
Another user, @luxentX, said that the video is his favourite as it showcases the true spirit of the Madani government. The user also hinted that such content is better than "karaoke" stunts, believed to be a reference to DAP's recent rendition of the patriotic tune Setia.
Ahmad's Twitter followers were similarly generous with their praise, with users expressing their support of the 'mantap' (solid) video by the deputy ministers.
The poems from both sides emphasised the need for unity, among other messages, as the nation celebrates Merdeka Day today; the first celebration under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman.
Ahmad kickstarts the battle by 'offering' a four-verse poem to Sim, following which the latter then responds with his own rhyme in a similar literary style before they both proceed to round two of the friendly battle.
ROUND 1
Ahmad: Encik Steven mencari teduh, di dalam dewan tinggi setingkat.
Sudah penat lama bergaduh, baik berkawan menambah berkat.
Sim: Encik Ahmad menggoreng nasi, bersama timun ada serai.
Berpadu kukuh ibarat besi, elok dah simpul jangan terlerai.
ROUND 2
Ahmad: Ada kiblat penunjuk arah, ada dacing penentu timbang.
Ada pengubat nusa yang parah, ada peluang menamat bimbang.
Sim: Daripada dibiar berjurai, lebih baik diikat mati.
Daripada membenih cerai, lebih baik menanam bakti.
At the end of the second round, the two deputy ministers shake hands before wishing viewers a happy National Day. – August 31, 2023
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