Ill-chosen spotlight

Politicians who seek publicity at distribution of food aid events criticised

PETALING JAYA: The behaviour of some politicians in recent weeks has drawn harsh criticism from various quarters. Some have sought the limelight by appearing at events to distribute food aid packages to those most badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, while at least one of them has gone for a holiday abroad despite the restrictions on travel.

Social activist and political scientist Dr Chandra Muzaffar said there should be a law against such behaviour.

Another social activist, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, who is also an economist, described it as a sin and urged religious leaders to condemn such practices.

They were commenting on recent reports of such incidents on social media and even prime time news.

The Covid-19 pandemic has become fertile ground for those looking to win hearts and minds.

The more credible ones have organised their own food distribution efforts. Last week, Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh made available food baskets to residents in her constituency.

However, the crowd was so large that she was forced to stop the initiative after discussions with police.

It was all over the news but credit should go to her for the effort.

On the other hand, some have similarly gained publicity in less palatable ways.

Recently, a senior politician stopped at an event to distribute food baskets, and the event eventually made prime time news, leading to accusations that the individual was seeking publicity through the hardships faced by the people.

In another case, an MP retorted that his holiday abroad was “not paid for with the rakyat’s money” after photos of his recent jaunt to Europe appeared on Instagram.

Chandra said such behaviour should be disallowed.

More importantly, he said efforts should be made to ensure proper monitoring so that the food and fiscal aid that are distributed reach their intended target groups.

On politicians travelling abroad, he said it should be alright if it is to lead a trade mission or other official work.

“On the other hand, going on a holiday during a pandemic is not the right thing to do,” he said.

Chandra added that the media should expose such politicians and their party leaders should reprimand them publicly and sack them.

“If the abuse committed by the politician concerned is in violation of the law of the land, action should be taken against him.”

He said if a politician is quiet because he is ill or indisposed, it is understandable and the media should inform the people to prevent unnecessary speculation.

“But if they are not vocal because they do not want to be involved in serving the people and addressing their woes, they should be exposed. Politicians should be serving the rakyat at times like these, not just seek publicity,” he added.

Ramon told theSun that “proper politicians will not promote themselves via distribution of food aid”.

“Let me remind these people that doing so is sinful and should be frowned upon by all religious leaders and groups.”

Ramon, who is a director at the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, said it is “un-Malaysian” to expect something in return when helping the needy.

“These publicity-hungry politicians should be ostracised as they are exploiting the misery of the poor and the hungry,” he said.

Ramon also suggested that the government consider a National Covid Foundation to raise public funds to ensure the needy do not continue to struggle to have food on the table.

“If something like this is set up, those who can donate should donate to help those struggling. I would love to chip in if it means my small donation (would go towards) helping those who need it most,” he added.