Hannah Yeoh Faces Backlash on Social Media After Posting Photo with Thai Badminton Player

Hannah Yeoh has faced significant criticism from Malaysians on social media after posting a selfie with Thai badminton player Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who recently defeated Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the men’s singles semi-finals at the Paris Olympics.

The Youth and Sports Minister shared these selfies on Instagram, shortly after Kunlavut’s victory over Lee Zii Jia, and congratulated him on winning the silver medal.

“I’m so impressed with his badminton style. He’s so calm and composed. I’ve become his new fan!” Yeoh wrote.

This post sparked anger among Malaysians, many of whom deemed her post inappropriate and insensitive.

“Is this how the Youth and Sports Minister should behave? Totally unpatriotic. This is not the time for you to show your friendly side to other players,” commented user fzeyma92.

Another user, yzshreaa, suggested that Hannah Yeoh should not forget her official role while in Paris.

“You are in Paris because you are a Minister. You are the Youth and Sports Minister of Malaysia. Maybe show some empathy or shame towards our athletes?”

User aijklmnop123 thought the post lacked tact, while pink_galangal urged Yeoh to better support the morale of national athletes.

However, a few defended the Minister, arguing that her post displayed sportsmanship and friendship.

User fionashinyee commented, “This post is simply celebrating the success of an opponent, showcasing sportsmanship and friendship. It’s disheartening to see so many negative comments. All I see is grace and grandeur. The post is so neutral, genuine, and human; it is something we should learn from. Sports should build friendships and bridge differences.”

Others criticized Yeoh’s post more cautiously, suggesting that while admiration or respect for an opponent is acceptable, it should be mindful of timing and context.

“For those citing sportsmanship, you are not wrong. But there’s also something called ‘common sense.’ Having sportsmanship is fine, but as a Minister, representing our athletes at the Olympics, perhaps it’s better to keep such fan behavior private?” commented user shahifashahril.

User lance_v_ks added, “You should have kept this to yourself and your family… This is quite insensitive!”