DAP Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin has drawn criticism after posting a celebratory message following the High Court’s decision rejecting former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
Yeo shared a news link titled “Najib Denied House Arrest” on her Facebook page, accompanied by the comment: “Another reason worth celebrating as the year comes to an end.”
Her post prompted a swift response from Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadi, who criticised the remark as insensitive. In a Facebook post, Zambry wrote: “Why celebrate? Do not celebrate in the midst of another person’s suffering. Life is cyclical. Remember, your leaders are not perfect either.”
Zambry’s comments quickly ignited heated exchanges online, with netizens flooding the comment sections to debate the issue.
Some users backed Zambry, accusing Yeo and her supporters of lacking empathy, while several Umno supporters used the opportunity to vent their dissatisfaction with the current ruling coalition. Others, however, strongly defended Yeo, arguing that she was applauding the judicial process rather than celebrating personal suffering.
Several commenters emphasised that the court’s ruling should be viewed through a legal lens rather than emotional or political sentiment, while others broadened the discussion to include racial narratives, party dignity, government legitimacy and political loyalty. The online exchanges soon escalated into sharp, polarised arguments between supporters and critics from both sides.
Yeo’s post continued to attract sarcastic and critical remarks, with some netizens mocking the Democratic Action Party (DAP), including comments referencing the party’s lack of parliamentary seats in Sabah and sarcastically suggesting further “celebrations” after future election setbacks.
As of now, neither Yeo nor Zambry has issued further statements following the online controversy.
