Insensitive words and deeds amid Penang flood aftermath

I was full of praise for Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after the recent Penang floods when he was seen having lunch together with Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng after a day’s hard work.

This is how our politicians should behave if they are the people’s representatives, regardless of their political affiliations, when there is a disaster hitting the nation. They should not be making fun of Lim like what Second Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon did recently.

Although Chong has since apologised, his crude remarks have earned him very sharp criticisms from the public. For someone in his position, the senator should have been more careful with his remarks.

However, Zahid’s remarks about the floods being a sign from God to retake Penang were also very inconsiderate and the equivalent of political suicide for BN in Penang.

Please think about it logically. The people of Penang had just lost all their belongings. It had nothing to do with their votes in past and future general elections. In fact, that was the last thing on their minds.

It was the change of weather and a sudden heavy downpour that took them by surprise. While they have learnt their lesson of not simply dumping rubbish indiscriminately into the drains, they can tell when a politician is talking outside the realm of human logic.

If Zahid’s arguments hold water, then what about the recent floods in Negeri Sembilan and Johor? Does that mean that these two states will soon be taken over by Pakatan Harapan for the first time in the coming general election?

What about Kelantan? When the floods hit the state in December 2014, was it an omen for the PAS state government or was it to tell Najib that, while he was on holiday in the US, his own country was going through hardships?

Understanding the rakyat's plight

It was also insensitive of Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid to walk on tables when others were trying to deal with the aftermath of the floods.

Even Rosmah Mansor, wife of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, was seen wearing bright yellow boots similar to those of Singaporean sitcom character, Phua Chu Kang, who is well-known for his phrase, “Don’t play, play.”

She and Najib were photographed walking right into the floodwaters. If they were willing to dirty themselves, there is no reason why Mahdzir should think that he could be above everything else by walking on tables.

It reminds me of Phua Chu Kang’s next line, “Best in Singapore, JB, and some say in Batam, too”. If even Phua Chu Kang can be serious about his job, and prepared to get dirty, there is no reason why Mahdzir shouldn’t be able to do so when visiting places badly affected by the floods.

While Mahdzir's press secretary Mohd Razman Yaacob’s explanation refutes allegations that the minister had the tables specially placed for him, it is still inappropriate for a minister to be seen walking on tables when people have to go through a flood, some with water up to their neck level.

Of course, I am angry. I am angry when I see politicians fail to understand the plight of the ordinary rakyat who are now having to face tough economic times. I am angry because people in Penang now have the additional burden of rebuilding their lives.

The last thing they want to hear or see is a minister walking on tables and a deputy prime minister saying it is time to take back Penang. Come on!

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STEPHEN NG is an ordinary citizen with an avid interest in following political developments in the country since 2008.- Mkini

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