The White Flag or #BenderaPutih campaign calls upon people needing assistance to wave a white cloth outside their homes to signal for help, following a rise in suicide cases among people struggling to get by.

Noting that a menteri besar and a religious leader have brushed off the campaign as political propaganda, Puad called on them to take a more positive view of the initiative.

“They say it is not valid. Why? Because they say it’s political propaganda aimed at tarnishing and bringing down the PN (Perikatan Nasional) government,” he said on Facebook.

“Isn’t it that those who protest are actually playing politics as they are afraid this will embarrass the PN government and lead to its downfall?”

Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor yesterday described the white flag initiative as a form of political propaganda aimed at tarnishing the good work of the federal government.

He urged those who need help to call the special emergency hotlines set up in all districts in Kedah instead.

It was also reported that Penang mufti Wan Mohd Salim Wan Mohd Noor said he did not agree with the campaign as it reflected an attitude of despair.

Noting how hotel workers, barbers, car wash operators and others have seen their incomes severely affected during the movement control orders (MCOs), Puad said many of them have been struggling to make ends meet.

“It’s not that they don’t want to work or are begging by the roadside. And it’s not as if they are raising the white flag their whole lives or everyday,” he said.

“Political and religious leaders should take a more positive view of this.”