Listen to the pleas of the people

I REFER to the report “Heated moments in Parliament as MPS demand answers on floods” (The Star, Dec 20; online at https://bit. ly/3mnf0eg).

I find it very disturbing that the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat denied the request of several lawmakers to debate the measures taken by the government to help victims of severe floods that hit five states during the weekend, especially as fatalities were involved.

The Speaker said the matter could not be debated because it was not listed in the order paper, and insisted on complying with parliamentary procedure.

He should have known that there were people who were willing to bypass rules and regulations in order to provide immediate assistance to the victims of the floods. First of all, the Yang di-pertuan Agong cast aside protocol and waded through floodwater to assess the situation on the ground.

The Armed Forces also sprang into action, helping to evacuate flood victims to relief centres without waiting for any directive from the National Disaster Management Agency.

I have read many stories on social media about people forgoing their holiday plans to help flood victims. And there were people who spent their own money to buy boats that were used in rescue efforts. I am sure the money they spent was not part of their monthly budget.

Some of my friends who had just completed their quarantine period after returning to the country immediately started to come up with plans to help the needy, forgoing bonding time with their loved ones.

At the end of the day, the people themselves, whether in groups or as individuals, took the initiative to help those in need of assistance.

Please don’t let our august House become immune to the pleas of the rakyat.