Govt may lose credibility, votes if it fails to manage floods effectively: analysts

KUALA LUMPUR – The federal government led by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will face issues trying to gain the people’s trust and affection, as well as the possibility of losing votes in the 15th general election (GE15), if it fails to manage and address issues related to the floods, said analysts.

Political analyst and lecturer Lee Yok Fee said that the recent natural disaster will make the people assess exactly what the focus of the government is, and whether it really wants to protect their welfare or if its only goal is to gain positions and power. 

“There is definitely (an effect). This involves their performance, so it is certain that the people will assess how and what the focus of the government is right now.

“Many notice that current politicians now just want to stay in power and to maintain the status quo for the sake of their positions,” he said when contacted by The Vibes’ sister portal Getaran. 

Lee said this when asked to comment on the possible impact on the government following its alleged mismanagement of the situation, after public accusations that the authorities were not serious and were late in coming to aid victims affected by the floods that hit Klang Valley last Saturday. 

Affected members of the public have also disputed and expressed anger at the attitude of some of the government leaders who failed to turn up, were slow to survey areas impacted by the floods, and failed to inquire further about the situation. 

The slogan and hashtag #rakyatjagarakyat was also widely spread and shared on communication channels, especially on social media, to encourage the public to play a bigger role and unite to help rescue or alleviate the burden of the victims, following the unreliability of authorities.  

Lee said the government should rectify all its shortcomings and weaknesses in its flood disaster management plan immediately so that the people do not continue to express their anger. 

He said leaders should now prioritise going to ground and reaching out to the people to understand real grassroots needs.  

Lee said that from the aspect of national infrastructure construction, the government should focus on maintenance, not just implementing new projects to the point of sidelining pivotal matters. 

“Don’t just come up with many new projects but leave the old ones unmaintained. 

“These flash floods are not a new problem, so existing infrastructure needs to be maintained. For example, the SMART tunnel works well because it is maintained. 

“What about the others, where the development is too fast and there are no good plans? We have to look back (at these projects),” he said. 

According to Lee, government leaders should understand the role they hold as MPs and elected representatives, which is to focus on the people’s welfare, instead of power struggles. 

“Some of them fail to understand what the true meaning of ‘ministry’ is. It is to serve (the people), not to honour (them).

“They have been given a mandate, and should do their jobs properly. This reflects their real intention of wanting to be elected representatives, whether it is for the sake of the voters or to fulfil their own interests,” he said. 

Commenting on the same issue, senior fellow at the National Council of Professors Jeniri Amir said the government’s performance in GE15 depends on when the election will be held. 

If the election is held in the near future, he said, it is likely to affect votes for the government, as the people may still be angry with the attitudes of some leaders who are allegedly not committed when it comes to helping them when disaster strikes. 

However, in Jeniri’s opinion, GE15 will not be held immediately. 

“I think if GE15 is held in 2023, the government’s votes may not be affected because the flood issue and the people’s anger will subside. 

“The people’s sentiments on an issue will not last long, so if the election is held in 2023, I think the effect will not matter as other issues may arise then,” he said. 

Jeniri said that despite the people’s dissatisfaction with the government’s flood efforts, the menteris besar and prime minister had deployed the whole national machinery to address the issue through various ministries, agencies and non-governmental organisations.

“The government’s commitment to hand out RM1,000 to each household will, to some extent, heal the hearts of residents and voters in the affected areas.

“I think the extent of the impact on the government depends a lot on the effectiveness of their assistance and the form of assistance given after this,” he said. 

At the same time, Jeniri said, it is important that the government shows sincerity, determination, and commitment to help the people.

“Disasters of this magnitude are out of control, coupled sometimes with limited resources and tools, so I think the government should do its best when it comes to sincerity and commitment. 

“Solve the problems arising from the current flood issue immediately, by easing the affairs of the affected people,” he said. – The Vibes, December 22, 2021