On April 15, Nurul Izzah (right) shared with Nad Zainal (left) some advice on dealing with online attacks. Photos: Nad Zainal/Instagram, Filepic
Malaysian actress Nad Zainal has turned to Nurul Izzah Anwar, the daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for advice on how to deal with online hate.
In an Instagram post uploaded by Nad on Saturday (April 15), Nurul Izzah told the actress that the first step to dealing with negative comments is to not retaliate impulsively.
“In life, we will all experience disappointment. We must understand that in the face of online threats, there’s a proper space that can be used to defend ourselves in a way that’s acceptable,” she advised.
The 42-year-old politician also added that it’s important to keep one’s mental health in check in the face of online attacks, and to never let others simply walk all over you.
“Although we (have a lot to improve on), it doesn’t mean (we should let) anyone hurl harsh insults at us as they please.
“To those that are being threatened or the ones threatening, please protect yourself (from negativity). Delete (the negative comments) if you have to.
“We only have 24 hours a day, so focus only on beautiful memories or thoughts,” she said.
According to reports, Nad recently became the target of online hate after allegedly “acting cold towards fans” at a Hari Raya festival in Putrajaya.
Malay daily Kosmo! reported that the 32-year-old actress was labelled by netizens as “arrogant” for not smiling while greeting fans.
Addressing the controversy, Nad told the publication that it wasn’t her intention to come off as cold, and that she did try to interact with most of her fans at the event.
“I really had no problems at the festival. In fact, I was actually very happy.
“Maybe people misunderstood the situation as I had a poker face at that one moment. But it’s alright. I want to move forward.
“All I know is that I met fans (at the event), took selfies with them, and I’m happy,” she said.
