LISTEN TO TRUTHS, SAYS ANALYST
Repressing people will only hamper efforts to understand their problems
THREE days ago, Orang Asli tok batin Aleh Abdullah, 53, found himself stuttering in a speech before a number of Pakatan Harapan leaders.
The speech text he claimed he was “told to read” was allegedly supplied by an Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) officer, who was said to be a staunch PH supporter.
What raised many journalists’ eyebrows that day was that the Temuan tribe chief previously professed to be a Barisan Nasional loyalist.
Both Jakoa and PH have denied coercing Aleh into falsifying his endorsement of the coalition.
The debate rages on — it’s now his word against theirs.
A former high-ranking officer with the department said it was normal for a ruling party to compel the Orang Asli community into endorsing the administration.
“The same goes for BN. The coalition did the same thing back then. It is not surprising if PH is doing the same thing.
“Several PH leaders used to be with BN anyway.”
Some raised this issue again yesterday — if there was truth to the claim, such a political strategy would turn the struggle for transparency and democracy moot.
Political analysts, however, believed that such a move could stifle a bid to understand the people’s problems.
Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said shelving real sentiments on the ground would only hamper efforts to understand and resolve people’s problems.
“In a democracy, it is only right to allow people to express their stand without fear.
“Repressing them will negate efforts for transparency.
“No leader, especially those at the top, should listen only to matters that are pleasing to their ears and sentiments.
“By listening to the truths, real decisions, solutions and changes will take place.
“Otherwise, things will not look good for the incumbent.”
While people-centric issues are not confined to the Orang Asli alone, who comprise around 200 registered voters, the community’s woes are prime examples of neglect and cause for concern.
Not too far from their village lies the lush Sungai Tekala Recreational Forest, the grounds of which are shaded from the heat of Semenyih weather by leafy trees.
Locals said due to the lack of access to piped and clean water, many of them resorted to getting supply from the forest’s main river.
Outside the village, the lack of street lights turns the night pitch black and poses a danger to pedestrians.
Observers said instead of focusing on scoring publicity points through a by-election campaign, the administration would do better addressing such matters promptly.
Analyst Dr Faridzwan Abdul Ghafar said the only way the government of the day could sustain and bolster its electoral support was through positive policies and efficient service.
Faridzwan said such scripting of endorsements, as alleged by Aleh, could be a sign of trepidation and, to a certain extent, arrogance.
“In this context, the people are stakeholders. As stakeholders, they would want returns on their investments.
“Their investments are in the form of votes.
“The people are monitoring the ruling party’s performance at both federal and state levels.
“They want their votes’ worth. Many are hoping for improvements since the 14th General Election.”
With three more days before the polls open this Saturday, political parties should be able to use Semenyih to regain the people’s trust in terms of restoring transparency and democracy.
“This is the New Malaysia. People should be allowed to voice their sentiments and demand the best from the government,” said Faridzwan.