Netizens may be venting their anger over the unresolved issue of RM2.6 billion in Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank accounts, but singer Amirudin Hizadin has instead chosen to express his concern through music.
His sombre song, which describes the RM2.6 billion as 'missing stars' that made his world dark, has quickly gone viral after less than half a day in cyberspace.
The Malay music video titled Mana Hilang 2.6 Bintang (Where have the 2.6 stars disappeared) and uploaded on Facebook garnered more than 80,000 views, with more than 3,300 shares as at 8pm last night.
In the lyrics, Amirudin reminisced about the likelihood had he not come to Kuala Lumpur as he considered about the hardships in the city.
He lamented about the cost of toll, petrol, electricity and food but tried to soothe himself by singing, 'Never mind, (I'll) wait for BR1M and assistance'.
As the song continues, Amirudin laments about other hardships, and repeatedly attempts to convince himself that there may be a brighter side to things.
However, the song comes to a close with Amirudin questioning if this was true, why then is everyone still 'depressed'.
The chorus avoided direct mention of the RM2.6 billion or the prime minister not coming clean on the matter, but references are apparent.
"Where have the 2.6 stars disappeared, which should be shining upon our nightmare and darkness?
"Where have the 2.6 stars disappeared? I ask 'Mr Sun' (Pak Mentari) but he remains still silent," Amirudin sings.
'Mentari' means the sun in Malay but the sound of the word closely resembles 'menteri' (minister).
Singing from rakyat’s heart
Amirudin’s song not only earned praise for highlighting the plight of every Malaysian but also his music skills.
"Good melody and deep lyrics," said Facebook user Zainal Musa.
Another Facebook user, Azimah Zianul, said, "This song is sad, it sounds like it is connected to my life.”
Facebook user Rini Reney said, "Good song. While we're trolling, this is the reality of what's in the rakyat's hearts.
"It pains me when my dad once told me about a grandmother in the village who had to delay her bone operation, as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) charges for the metal pieces would run into the thousands."
Mana Hilang 2.6 Bintang :
Mungkin takkanku ke Kuala Lumpur,
Nak bayar tol minyak, aku menggelupur,
Duit belanja cukup makanku waktu sahur,
Mungkin hidupku kegelapan,
Nak bayar bil elektrik, tak kemampuan,
Tapi tak apa, tunggu duit BR1M dan bantuan,
Mana hilangnya 2.6 bintang bintang,
Yang sepatutnya menerangi mimpi ngeri dan suram kita,
Mana hilangnya 2.6 bintang bintang,
Aku tanyakan pak mentari tapi masih lagi berdiam,
Mungkin yang sakit akan terus uzur,
Nak bayar ubat pun terus tersungkur,
Oh tapi PA, katanya baik untuk kita,
Mungkin harga barang akan turun,
Ada GST semua orang untung,
Tapi mengapa makin ramai yang bermurung,
Mana hilangnya 2.6 bintang bintang,
Yang sepatutnya menerangi mimpi ngeri dan suram kita,
Mana hilangnya 2.6 bintang bintang,
Aku tanya Pak Mentari, tapi masih lagi berdiam.
