What would Zaid hold?

A doctored image of Zaid holding a Hello Kitty handbag.

By Dina Zaman
APRIL 21 — In a matter of days, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has gone viral. Or rather, his image has.
The original picture of Zaid, which first appeared in an interview with The Nut Graph, was doctored by certain quarters, and had him holding a bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.
That particular photo became fodder for flames from both his supporters and detractors.
And today, a Facebook (FB) Page, “What Would Zaid Hold?”, was created under the category of Hobbies & Craft.
The FB page boasts 367 members, mainly from the media and arts fraternity. Even names like Dr Farish A. Noor have joined the group. If this could be considered a campaign to get more votes (for Zaid), it would definitely go down in history as a rather strange one!
All members have to do to participate are the following:
1. Download the original photo from the The Nut Graph.
2. Download a random and  strange object:
3. Download Paint.NET (if you don’t have Photoshop, legally or otherwise):
4. Install Paint.NET.
5. Read the help file and figure it out. Hint: use Layers, Rotate/Zoom and the Eraser tool.
6. Share your awesome fabrication with this group!
So far the popular politician has been seen in various poses. A marker sketch of a huge helmet-haired wig on top of Zaid’s cranium is one. He is also seen holding “durians”. There’s also a photo of Zaid hugging the cartoon character, Doraemon.
There are also many phallic references, such as Zaid holding a light sabre or a sword. There is one (even more) strange photo of him holding a picture of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the prime minister’s wife.
It may be a lark for the members of the group, and the photos are amusing, but it is evident that there are very barbed reasons as to why some graphics were selected.
Malaysians may be funny but they are also politically shrewd, and aware of what is going on. If they cannot voice them out, they’ll find another way to exhibit their frustrations.
For a politician, being a target in any form is something he has to face — and endure.
Zaid is known for his humour, and may find the page a welcome distraction from the political mud-slinging he is facing now.
In the 70s and 80s, Lat reigned with his pencil and pen renditions of politicians and huge knockers for noses.
In 2010, the politician may find himself on Facebook in a variety of manipulated images.
Zaid will have to thank his lucky stars no one has drawn a bra on him. Yet.
While all this is well and good, and in the name of fun, Zaid should also take this as a sign that he must not become a caricature in Malaysian politics.
There is a lot of respect for him, but it does not come from the grassroots Malay.
Zaid appeals to the Malay liberal elite and non-Malays, and his biggest “war” is to be accepted by the “pakciks” and “makciks” in semi-rural Hulu Selangor. Even the average urban middle-class Malay might find it hard to empathise with Zaid, for their lifestyles differ greatly.
In the meantime, enjoy this picture of Zaid Ibrahim, founder of one of the country’s biggest and most illustrious law firms, holding a Hello Kitty handbag.
Truly a man in touch with his girlish side!
For a spot of fun, visit the “What Would Zaid Hold” Facebook Page.