KUALA LUMPUR: Emma Maembong’s father, Ismail Maembong, wrote some words of advice on social media today, reminding women to stay away from men with bad intentions.
The status comes hot on the heels of Emma’s decision to remove her hijab, not long after her intimate photos sans the hijab with Syed Abdullah Syed Abdul Rahman, the brother of a Cabinet minister, went viral.
“Duhai perempuan, wajib jauhi jantan yang buka aib mu, dia sesungguhnya iblis bertopengkan manusia sering berusaha memecahkan umat dan keluarga,” he wrote. (Dear women, stay away from men who shame you, as he is a devil masked as a human who often strives to divide and destroy the people and their families). The post which was uploaded today on Facebook, had so far received 1,500 likes and 300 shares with 150 comments from Netizens who prayed for him to be given strength and patience to cope with his daughter’s major change.
It was unclear whether the post was directed at anyone in particular, but Netizens pointed fingers to Syed Abdullah and assumed he was the reason Emma chose to go bareheaded.
Earlier, Emma’s comment box on Instagram was flooded with a wave of negative comments from Netizens who expressed their disapproval when Emma posted her first solo picture on Instagram without the hijab.
Some fans claimed they lost their respect for the actress, while others declared their plans to boycott Emma’s films and craft from now on.
“Boleh boikot drama atau filem yang terbaru (After this we should boycott her dramas or films)," wrote @oryzalacbyaley.
“Tak sangka bertudung kerana mengejar populariti. Hilang ‘respek’ saya kat akak. Berubahlah sebelum terlambat (I’ve lost my respect for you. I hope you repent before it’s too late)," wrote @the.red_head.
In a news report recently, the 26-year-old My Coffee Prince actress shared her reasons for removing the Muslim headscarf.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, I thought long and hard about it. But I realised that I needed to do this for me. I no longer wanted to lie to myself only to please others,” she said.
Emma added: “It was high time I put myself first. I deserve to be happy too.”
The celeb understood that her actions would disappoint those around her including her family, but she stood by her decision.
“I know that I have let many people down and for that I am truly sorry,” she said.
“My family was not supportive of my decision because it’s obviously wrong, but they understood where I’m coming from and prayed that I would eventually find the will to wear tudung again,” she added.
Emma admitted she couldn’t help but feel offended at some of the nasty comments she received from Netizens.
“It’s baffling to know how heartless and rude people can be. Everyone makes mistakes. I welcome criticism, but there’s a way to advise people without being rude or harsh,” she said.
Emma added: “However, I would like to express my gratitude towards those who have stood by me and supported me through thick and thin.”