The publisher of an android game featuring a character resembling Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan today introduced another game, with a similar character named ' Tampar Maslan ' or 'Slap Maslan'.

The game allows android smartphone users who are “frustrated with GST (goods and services tax)” to slap an unnamed antagonist.

However, the Ipoh-based VNBOX Trading and Services Sdn Bhd says it has a more noble effort than just creating silly games.

It wants to promote services to help the unfortunate and the needy.

Speaking to Malaysiakini via email, VNBOX chief executive officer, who did not want to be named, denied that the company was ridiculing “a certain VVIP”, but it was rather just cashing in on viral marketing.

He said it was a hand-to-hand effort to promote the corporate and social responsibility (CSR) efforts of the company's website, KotakHidup.com, to help people who are in need.

“The game was conceived as one of our viral marketing ideas on the label KotakHidup.com. This is the first website that allows members of the public to not only donate money to the needy, but also products and goods as well,” the CEO added.

The website provides platforms for corporate companies and government agencies to purchase or provide goods to facilitate CSR programmes all around the country.

Character resembles Ahmad

Yesterday, “Maslan 3.85 extended version” debuted in the Google Playstore, depicting a character resembling Ahmad as a zombie and allowing game players to shoot him using various weapons.

Ahmad ( left ) in his tweet, lamented the use of his father’s name, asking members of the public and the game developer not to dishonour his father.

“My dad is gone. Please do not ridicule him. Maslan was a poor and illiterate rubber tapper,” Ahmad said in his tweet today.

VNBOX repeatedly denied that it was ridiculing the deputy minister, saying it was “purely coincidental” that the character looks like him.

“Even when there is speculation saying the game is made specifically for a certain individual, we have explicitly announced, in the game itself, that the character has nothing to do with any individual or linked parties,” the company CEO insisted.

He said VNBOX would release more applications based on social issues in the future.

Apart from games, the company is also developing several quizzes and interactive applications.

He admitted that the first version of the game had glitches, but after taking it down around midnight, 'Maslan 3.85 extended version' is now up and running.

“We have anticipated (good) responses, but it certainly became popular before we correctly launched it. However it did not stop our original strategy,” the CEO added.