In an interview with The Malaysian Insight, director Pete Teo noted that out of 600 YouTube comments on the short film “Citizens: A Merdeka Day PSA”, almost 90% were negative towards MCA president Liow Tiong Lai, who faces off with himself in the video, representing both “ruler” and “citizen”.

Teo said that people have forgotten that the uniting factor on Merdeka was that everyone is Malaysian, adding that the “tribalism” in the country was toxic and urged a more dialogue-based approach. - December 14, 2017.