KUALA LUMPUR – A viral video by influencer Aisyah Shofi has ignited a storm of opinions from netizens after she criticised the Malaysia Society’s (MSoc) hosting of an after-party for the Malaysian Games (MGames) in Manchester, the United Kingdom.
In her TikTok video, Aisyah highlighted that MSoc, common among UK universities, traditionally organises MGames, bringing together participants, scorekeepers, and the organising committee.
@thisisaisyahtrying ♬ original sound – aisyah🧣
However, the controversy arose when one university apparently broke tradition by hosting an after-party at a nightclub involving clubbing, drinking and partying, activities Aisyah claimed were not in line with Malaysian culture.
“The activities at this after-party misalign with Islamic practice and so inviting all participants including Muslims to this event has disrespectful undertones.
“Furthermore, clubbing, drinking and partying has never been Malaysian culture. We have our own means of celebration of entertainment so why indulge in activities that aren’t even part of our culture to begin with,” she said in the video.
“It’s not a very good look and besides, alcohol is chemically a depressant. This is a friendly reminder not just for my fellow Muslims but also for my fellow Malaysians.”
The video’s reception led to a barrage of disparate reactions, prompting Aisyah to disable comments.
Subsequently, a post on X (formerly Twitter) by user @elfucir brought the TikTok video to the platform, amplifying the controversy with 1.6 million views in a short time.
Aisyah has stirred up religious tensions among Malaysians in the UK. I demand a swift response from JPA! Malaysia is a multicultural nation, and tuak is an integral part of Sabah/Sarawak culture. pic.twitter.com/fLh19ftzpC
— /ˈluːsɪfə/ (@elfucir) November 23, 2023
User @elfucir alleged that Aisyah’s video had stirred up religious tensions among Malaysians in the UK.
Comments on X reflected the divided opinions. Some criticised Aisyah for misrepresenting Malaysian culture.
User @letmeseetheworld said: “They can go party on personal grounds; do not misuse Msoc.”
Another user @firdaus9 said the world does not revolve around any one person.
“As you mentioned, MSoc also includes non-Muslim members, and it’s their right to celebrate as they prefer,” the user said.
User @kimishinoriiii argued that Malaysia is a multiracial country with diverse cultures and pointed out Aisyah’s misjudgment in assuming that drinking is not a part of Malaysian culture.
she could choose not to go. the first misarticulation was when she claimed that drinking is not a part of Malaysian culture. it is incorrect to assume that every culture in Malaysia is the same. we live in a multiracial country; hence, every culture is distinctive. she needs to https://t.co/zdRYokTZ0l
— nct — ♡🇲🇾 (@kimishinoriiii) November 24, 2023
“She could choose not to go. The first misarticulation was when she claimed that drinking is not a part of Malaysian culture.
“Every culture is distinctive, she needs to understand that every culture must be represented properly, just as we do with the culture of the majority,” she said.
Another user known as Joe said it is a personal preference whether she goes to the after-party since she was invited but not obliged to attend.
Gurl you’re INVITED, not FORCED. Lol. Kalau tak nak pergi, sudah lah. Let others have fun. The world doesn’t revolve around you. https://t.co/pbVzCrJ0I2
— Jœ 🦷🪥🇲🇾 (@iamdrjoe) November 24, 2023
“Gurl, you’re invited and not forced. If you don’t want to go, it’s up to you. Let others have fun. The world doesn’t revolve around you,” he said.
On the other side, some supporters defended Aisyah, emphasising her right to voice concerns about activities misaligned with Muslim beliefs.
X user @K95Akmal argued that Aisyah’s concerns were valid, urging respect for her perspective.
Eh bodoh. Let her voice out her concern. Her concern is valid lah. She even speak with respectful and factual manner.
— Akmal95K (@K95Akmal) November 24, 2023
You want to go party, go ahead lah. But you invited Muslims to the party. Why? And the organizer are from Malaysia? Never know about religion of federation?
“Let her voice her concern out. Her concern is valid. She even spoke respectfully and factually.
“(If) you want to go to the party, go ahead lah. But you invited Muslims to the party. Why? And the organisers are from Malaysia? Never know about religion of federation?” he asked.
In the midst of the controversy, a suggestion emerged to dissociate the after-party from MSoc’s formal activities. A user proposed handling such events informally to avoid associating them directly with the MSoc name.
Scoop attempted to contact Aisyah for further clarification on the matter.
Aisyah is reported to be studying mathematics at the University of Manchester on a government scholarship and is identified as the daughter of Hawa Yaakub of Melaka PAS’ Dewan Muslimat, according to information on her Instagram account. – November 24, 2023