DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook should not be quick to condemn those raising valid questions about the party’s fundraising efforts for victims of the recent gas pipeline inferno in Putra Heights, Selangor.
As of yesterday (April 5), some 509 families and 235 homes were affected by the devastating blaze which occurred last Tuesday (April 1), according to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seti Amirudin Shari.
While it is commendable for political parties and NGOs to step in and raise funds, legitimate concerns remain: How much has been raised? Will 100% of public donations reach the victims? Will the funds be enough to address the heavy loss of property and personal effects?
More importantly, DAP as a component party of the ruling government should be doing more than just collecting donations – it should be pressing the Cabinet and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to provide substantial government aid.
But once again, the party’s leadership appears timid and hesitant to push such a critical issue within the corridors of power.
‘More compassionate towards Gaza cause’?
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo’s gesture of donating laptops and smartphones – while well-meaning – comes across as tone-deaf. These gadgets do little to ease the deep financial and emotional pain endured by the victims.
Why is DAP as a party that has long claimed to defend the underprivileged so reluctant to demand meaningful compensation from the government?
Are the victims of this tragedy not Malaysians who deserve state support and assurance in their darkest hour?
It’s perplexing that while millions are being directed overseas to support causes like the Palestinian struggle, there’s a lack of urgency when Malaysians lose everything in what appears to be a preventable, man-made disaster.
Why isn’t similar compassion and funding extended at home?
There’s a bigger issue at play. The gas pipelines – approved and installed in residential zones – should never have posed such a danger to begin with.
A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) must be convened to investigate this incident thoroughly and identify those responsible.
Instead of brushing off scrutiny, Loke should welcome it. With 40 MPs in the Madani government, DAP should be leveraging its position to demand real solutions – not outsourcing responsibility to the public via donation drives.
These efforts, while helpful, are not a substitute for government accountability.
Accountability element lacking
It’s also disappointing that Anwar has not been very vocal on the issue apart from announcing “immediate assistance of RM5,000 to affected homeowners and RM2,500 to more than 100 homeowners whose homes were partially damaged on the day of the tragedy (April 1)”.
Is this yet another case of prioritising symbolic gestures over tangible relief? Feeding monkeys in the jungle while ignoring the hungry at home?
The silence from key government players raises uncomfortable questions: Does DAP lack the bargaining power that Malay-based parties like UMNO and PKR enjoy? Is the party turning to public fundraising simply because it has no influence left to move the machinery of government?
If so, Loke should be honest with the people. Has DAP become so subdued under Anwar’s leadership that it cannot even secure basic justice for Malaysians in crisis?
And why has there been no public pressure on PETRONAS, the party responsible for the gas infrastructure, to bear the cost of damages?
This tragedy deserves more than charity – it demands accountability. And that begins with the government stepping up, not hiding behind donation drives.
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.Southeast Asian cuisine.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.
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