A Malaysian university student’s attempt to call out a classmate for “showing off” has backfired, with netizens saying both students are guilty of the same thing.
Posting on Threads, the student complained that a coursemate frequently upgrades to the newest iPhone using scholarship money. “He’s not from a rich family, but every time he gets his scholarship, he immediately buys a new phone. Everyone knows where the money comes from,” she wrote.
She contrasted herself as being more sensible, claiming she only splurges on things “worth it” — specifically, her favourite imported French Evxxx mineral water, which she says tastes better than normal bottled water.
Instead of support, the post drew ridicule. “You criticise him for buying iPhones, he could criticise you for buying expensive water. Same thing,” one commenter said. Others suggested she was simply jealous.
The student later clarified that she believed scholarship funds should be used for education rather than luxury goods. “Chasing trends is fine, but don’t overspend and then criticise others,” she wrote in a follow-up.
Many online commenters pointed out that spending habits are subjective — what one person sees as wasteful may be another’s priority — and that it’s unnecessary to police how others use their own money.
