WIN scrambles to distance itself after images spark racial backlash

The campaign manager for Azruddin Mohamed’s newly formed political party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), has been forced to backpedal after posting animated images online that have sparked widespread criticism for their perceived racial undertones.

On Tuesday morning, Odessa Primus, who manages WIN’s campaign activities, shared two photos depicting children appearing hungry and begging for food with bowls in hand. The images prominently feature a flag in the party’s colours and its official symbol. One of the images shows a lighter-skinned child standing in the centre with folded hands, surrounded by other children.

While Primus clarified her intent in sharing the images, but many social media users slammed them as distasteful and divisive, suggesting they carry an implied racial message about poverty.

Primus distanced herself from the content, claiming: “I do not like the message the images seem to be implying. Not for any political campaign would I create it nor approve its creation.”

Despite this, the original images remain on her page and continue to circulate widely. WIN has issued a brief statement insisting it bears no responsibility for the images.

The incident comes as WIN attempts to build legitimacy amid questions surrounding its leadership.