Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Malaysia's First Lady Declines Handshake, Sparks Debate
During a summit, Malaysia's First Lady, Wan Azizah, chose not to shake hands with China's President Xi Jinping, but instead bowed in respect.
This sparked a debate online.
Some people criticized her decision, citing hypocrisy since the Prime Minister shook hands with China's First Lady.
Others defended her, saying she has her own religious freedom and is free to follow her own religious mannerisms, with no one else being compelled to do so.
Malaysian First Lady Wan Azizah declined to shake hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit.
Wan Azizah bowed instead, citing religious reasons.
The action sparked controversy on social media.
Critics accused hypocrisy, pointing to PM Anwar Ibrahim shaking hands.
Defenders emphasized personal freedom and religious autonomy.
- Who
- Malaysian First Lady Wan Azizah and Chinese President Xi Jinping
- What
- Wan Azizah declined to shake hands with Xi Jinping
- When
- During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit
- Where
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit
- Why
- Due to religious beliefs
Critics
Defenders
Hypocrisy
Critics
Criticized the double standard, questioning why the Prime Minister shook hands when the First Lady declined for religious reasons.
Defenders
Emphasized mutual respect and personal freedom, stating there's no compulsion on either side to act a certain way.
- Event
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit
- Person
- Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
- Position
- Malaysia's First Lady
- Action
- Declined a handshake
- Reason
- Religious Beliefs