Backlash Over Mocking the Malaysian Flag: US E-Sports Player’s Instagram Account Flooded by Malaysian Netizens

Source: The Vocket

Following the victory of the Malaysian Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) e-sports team at the IESF 2024 World Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the team is now preparing to compete in the largest global tournament yet. The M6 World Cup, with a $1 million (~RM4.4 million) prize pool, will take place in Malaysia on November 21, 2024, drawing teams from across the world.

However, controversy erupted when a U.S. e-sports player mocked the Malaysian flag, causing widespread outrage among Malaysian netizens.

In the competitive world of gaming, it is common for players or fans to use psychological tactics to disrupt rival teams. Michael Cosgun, known by his in-game name Mobazane, has built a reputation for his provocative humor aimed at Malaysian players and teams.

Previously, Mobazane had mocked Malaysian players, calling their server “easy” due to frequent losses in tournaments. When he arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), he posted several photos on his Instagram, with captions intended to rile up Malaysians. One caption read “ezezezezezezez server,” a remark that, while offensive, was somewhat tolerated.

However, Mobazane crossed a line when he posted an image of the Malaysian flag with the word “noob” written across it. This open insult sparked an outpouring of anger from Malaysians, who saw it as an attack on their country’s dignity.

As a result, Mobazane’s Instagram account was flooded with angry comments from Malaysian netizens. Local figures from the Mobile Legends community also condemned his actions, calling it disrespectful to Malaysia’s national pride.

The incident has caught the attention of the tournament organizers, who are expected to issue a statement soon.

In the meantime, Mobazane posted an apology on his YouTube channel, expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging his mistake.

“I sincerely apologize to the people of Malaysia and anyone else offended by my actions,” Mobazane said. “I understand that intentions don’t always reflect the impact of our actions, and I take full responsibility for my post. Moving forward, I promise to learn from this mistake and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

His apology has received mixed reactions, with some accepting his regret, while others remain critical of his previous behavior.