Anger flares over death of Thaqif
Malaysians take to social media today expressing shock and anger, with many calling for the culprit to be sentenced to death.
“Somehow I can feel a collective sigh of despair across the country at Thaqif’s passing,” said a tweet from Visitra Manikam, just minutes after news of Thaqif’s death.
“He died. The boy is dead,” said Facebook user Betty Teh, before directing her blame at everyone involved.
Twitter user Syahir said Thaqif had just wanted to become a huffaz (one who commits the whole of Quran to memory).
“What has he done to deserve all this?” he asked.
Many were clearly angry and demanded justice, with some calling for the culprit to be punished by death.
Echoing the call, another user rejoined: “Shut down the school.”
“Thaqif was murdered. Plain and simple. Eager to see what type of punishment the perpetrator is going to face,” wrote Twitter user Aazief Khalid.
But many agree that Thaqif is now in a better place, saying the boy would have suffered more in the future.
“At least his suffering is over,” said one Twitter user.
Thaqif was admitted to Hospital Sultan Ismail last week, after doctors discovered swelling in his legs, allegedly due to a beating by an assistant warden who is now in police custody.
His legs were subsequently amputated in a bid to stop the infection from spreading, following which he slipped into a coma. His condition then worsened with blood clots developing in his left shoulder. Doctors had planned to amputate his right arm this morning.
Thaqif died at 2.06pm today.
An umbrella organisation for tahfiz schools yesterday questioned claims that Thaqif had been abused, but said a CCTV recording showed he was beaten on the sole of his foot.
Meanwhile, friends and relatives shared condolences on a Facebook account belonging to Dayang Thafiqah, believed to be that of Thaqif’s mother, Felda Wani Ahmad.
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“May his soul rest in peace,” posted Nooraisyah Abu Bakar on the Facebook page.