Amidst his patriotic sacrifices to travel Qatar, garnering local media attention, a tide of haters and judgmental netizens emerge, misinterpreting his dedication as a plea for financial assistance, tarnishing the genuine essence of his fervent support for the country.
Last weekend, ardent Harimau Malaya fan Derrick Gan gained social media fame for selling his motorcycle to fund his Qatar football match journey. His passion sparked offers from many brands and people for a new Modenas motorcycle worth RM5,400 and a series of free meals from well-known eatery outlets, exemplifying a heartening show of support for his unwavering dedication to the team.
Despite his notable fame and achievements, not everyone shares the joy. A football club Facebook page shared a screenshot of a skeptic netizen questioning Derrick Gan’s financial status, stating, ‘Can anyone even confirm if he (Derrick) is orang susah? Somehow, I don’t think so.’
Swiftly addressing the doubt, Derrick used a recent Facebook post to set the record straight, asserting that he has never sought fame and inviting those who believe otherwise to ‘tumpang glamour,’ concluding with an emphatic ‘but…’
In a candid Facebook statement, Derrick expressed his surprise at unexpectedly going viral for his unwavering support for Harimau Malaya. Crucially, he emphasized that he never sought attention or requested to exchange his old motorcycle for a new one.
Addressing the rumors surrounding his financial status and motives, he questioned, “Did I ever mention that I’m orang susah? Did I ask the cameraman to focus on me? Did I even ask for the new motorcycle that has been given to me?” Derrick acknowledged the consequences of fame but made a single plea: “Don’t put words in my mouth. Things that I have never said are conspiracy.”
Meanwhile, Derrick extends an invitation for others to ride the wave of his viral fame, but with a condition – only if it involves giving back to the community. He suggests running contests or giveaways, not just for brand promotion, but to assist those in need. Derrick humbly deflects personal credit for his fame, attributing it to the collective presence of everyone at the stadium during the football match, emphasizing a shared sense of achievement and unity.