We laughed, we cried, we stayed at home. But most importantly, we survived 2020.
This year was no joke, but the Internet has blessed us with some stellar memes that helped us get through it.
1. Entering 2020 with ‘flying cars’
Tengok member aku, dia da ada kereta terbang pic.twitter.com/l0Y9MMWeJY
— zakwan (@benzaynudeen) December 31, 2019
Remember when we were kids, we were so sure that there will be flying cars in 2020 that we even drew them on colouring papers?
It all started back in 1991 when former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir unveiled Vision 2020, which outlined policies to enhance our country’s growth. In reality, what we have right now is an outpouring of creative memes.
2. “Can I advise you something?”
Arguably Malaysia’s most famous couple, audio clips of former prime minister Najib Razak being shouted at by his wife Rosmah Mansor were revealed in a press conference on 8 January.
The phrase “Darling, can I advise you, can I advise you something?” trended on Twitter. It was quickly flooded with memes, jokes, and videos all poking fun at the conversation.
3. COVID-19 toilet paper crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, toilet paper in supermarkets flew off the shelves in the midst of panic buying, prompting hilarious responses to the situation.
People have fought to get their precious butt-wipes. Some were even arrested, forever branded as toilet paper robbers.
Next time, maybe just install a bidet?
4. Ministry of Women’s Doraemon tips
Mmmm… pic.twitter.com/r21ARoz2FF
— KL Chan (@Klchan3) March 31, 2020
During the Movement Control Order (MCO), the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development posted some pretty questionable tips for women in the household.
Needless to say, netizens were outraged and the ministry apologised. But that didn’t stop Malaysians from sharing their reactions and hilarious attempts at following the suggestions.
5. Nature is healing, we are the virus
Wow. Cows are returning to the sea. Nature is healing. We are the virus. pic.twitter.com/xoZ2Rj1wHJ
— Tiago P. Zanetic (@TPZanetic) April 11, 2020
With most of the world being indoors and fewer cars on the road, the planet is finally thriving with wildlife.
Scooters are returning to the river, dinosaurs are roaming New York City, and Furbies were spotted in the forests. We may be the virus, but we’re definitely the funny ones.
6. Defence Minister Ismail Sabri’s kuih batik tops
During the Senior Minister’s COVID-19 briefings, netizens spent their time creating collages comparing his colourful batik shirts to local kuih and desserts of the same colours.
Even though he doesn’t wear them as much anymore, we were still amused when netizens also “auctioned” items that were on display behind him.
7. FINAS filming licence
On 23 July, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah announced that one must apply for a licence before making any type of videos.
Although the ministry later backtracked on the issue, Malaysians were having none of that. They were really quick to express their disagreements.
8. Coffin dance
While the dancing pallbearers have entertained us during MCO, Malaysians recreated parodies of the meme with hilarious results.
Despite being an Internet phenomenon centred around funerals, the pallbearers took to Twitter to thank doctors in handling the pandemic. In their own words: “Stay at home, or dance with us.”
9. Months of 2020 calendar
#2020. Inspired by @ReeseW pic.twitter.com/kqXNcNNnys
— winstonthewhitecorgi (@winstonthewhite) August 4, 2020
Similar to the ‘How it started vs How it’s going’ meme, this one refers to a grid of photos labelled with a month of the year.
The photos get more and more dramatic as time passes. So relatable, but hopefully everyone is still okay.
10. Postponing SPM To February 2021
spm students this year be like: pic.twitter.com/5EgOZBGOZy
— śara (@sayrazl) November 8, 2020
This year was tough for Form Five and Form Six students, especially when they have studied for months to prepare for the public examinations.
The Ministry of Education’s announcement to postpone the exams caught many people by surprise. And Malaysians did what they do best to cope with the stress: by creating memes.
And that’s a wrap! Here’s hoping that 2021 will be a much better year. Remember to always stay safe and stay awesome!
