REPENT NIK ABDUH! God does not need you to use floods to ram in hudud

Many describe this year’s flood disaster as being the worst in Malaysian history with several elected leaders pressuring the ruling government to declare a state of emergency. The general well being of the Malaysian public is under threat and government intervention is needed to minimise or prevent such calamity from escalating further.

Although flooding in Malaysia is a relatively common occurrence, such disasters have severely damaging consequences affecting individuals and communities. Studies also indicate that natural disasters have increased both in intensity and frequency, in recent times. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reductions said in 2012 that floods were reported to be one of the most frequent natural disasters. Worldwide, the economic damage incurred reaches a staggering US$ 44.6 billion (RM151.64 billion).

People are well aware of the damaging effects flooding and other natural disasters will have on society and the economy.

Damage to infrastructure will affect a significant proportion of the population, sometimes more so than those directly affected: destruction of crops and loss of livestock, and the effects on fishing and agriculture could result in a drastic increase of food prices.

Needless to say, the psychological and health impact on survivors of flooding can often be traumatising. The loss of loves ones and the distress caused by experiencing such catastrophes first hand, especially for children, will take a longer time to heal.

In the past few days, Malaysians from all walks of life have shown fortitude, empathy and solidarity towards those affected by such tragedies.

Unfortunately, Pasir Mas MP Nik Mohamad Abduh has displayed extreme tactlessness and apathy towards those who are in need of aid and rescue, by using the recent flood disaster as an excuse to bulldoze hudud.

His statement that “The flood is a reminder to all Muslims to return to Allah’s ways and stay away from His wrath. It necessitates the perseverance of the Kelantan government to implement hudud laws,” is a statement Malaysians can do without. Such callousness exhibits an acute lack of compassion and is unbecoming of an elected leader.

Screen shot 2014-12-27 at 7.48.54 PMGreat leaders show compassion especially in dire times. Leaders are expected to put the needs of others before their own and must lead by example. Present day Malaysian society has begun to re-examine how we see our leaders – we need those who exhibit compassion, not arrogance because positive characteristics will fare better in handling crisis in Malaysia’s ever changing economic and social climate.

There is a saying in Islam “God does not judge you according to your bodies and appearances, but He looks into your hearts and observes your deeds”. Malaysians should put aside all of our differences and ensure much needed help is received by those who need it the most.