DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has chastised leaders who go on vacation during the monsoon season, saying they must be available during critical times.
The Rural and Regional Development Minister reminded leaders that the people who elected them were suffering.
Zahid pointed out in a veiled criticism of Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, this is where the people will judge their (leaders) sincerity.
Moreover, netizens questioned PAS leader’s “absence” earlier this week as the state’s flood situation worsened and tens of thousands of flood victims were evacuated to safety at relief centres, according to an FMT report.
A state exco member, Hanafiah Mat was reported to have said that Samsuri was on holiday with his family in Auckland, New Zealand and had been scheduled to return home on Dec 22. Samsuri has since apologised for his absence.
Furthermore, five people have died as a result of the massive floods that hit the east coast, with a three-year-old child in Terengganu being the first victim.
Meanwhile, deforestation activities should be stopped and drainage systems should be properly maintained to prevent flash floods, according to Zahid.
“This is important so that flash floods do not occur in city centres or even in rural areas. Maintaining a good drainage system should be a habit and not be given priority only during the flood season,” he added. – Dec 24, 2022
