By Mahathir Mohd Rais
Our country is currently in the throes of a flood crisis that is not only a natural disaster but also a glaring reflection of deeper issues in the country’s political system and disaster management.
Thousands of citizens are facing heart-wrenching realities – losing homes, belongings, and tragically, the lives of loved ones.
This situation is exacerbated by the growing perception of unfair distribution of aid and an inadequate response from the federal government, particularly in areas governed by the opposition.
This raises critical questions: Is the PH-BN government’s action colored by political motives, leading to injustice in crisis management?
Does this indicate a neglect of citizens under opposition-run state governments?
The slow and ineffective action of the PH-BN administration in this flood situation has deepened doubt and disappointment among the people.
This failure is not just about logistics or resources; it’s about a failure in leadership, empathy, and responsibility.
The affected citizens need more than just words of sympathy; they desperately need concrete action, effective support, and long-term solutions.
The crisis also highlights broader issues of social and political justice.
Every citizen, regardless of geographical location or political background, deserves protection and assistance from their government.
Discrimination based on politics in disaster management is not only immoral but can also erode public trust in governance. Immediate action is required from the federal government to ensure that disaster management is conducted fairly and evenly.
This includes strengthening cooperation between the federal and state governments, improving transparency, and ensuring accountability in the distribution of aid and resources.
This crisis should be a starting point for reform in Malaysia’s disaster management system.
There needs to be a focus on preventive planning, developing more resilient infrastructure, and improving early warning systems.
Involving local communities in disaster planning and response, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met, is also crucial.
This situation tests not only Malaysia’s capability to handle natural disasters but also the integrity and fairness of its national leadership.
Now is the time for the country’s leaders to demonstrate that they can rise above narrow politics and genuinely serve all Malaysian citizens with fairness and empathy.
This crisis is an opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen national solidarity, ensuring that no Malaysian citizen is left behind or marginalized as we face these challenges together.
About the author: Mahathir Mohd Rais, Bersatu Federal Territories information chief. This is an opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this publication.
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