KUALA LUMPUR – Youth-led Muda’s founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has cried foul over alleged double standards on standard operating procedures (SOPs) in flood relief assistance in his constituency.
In a live-streamed press conference this evening, the Muar MP alleged his party was barred from providing aid to flood victims.
He said he and other Muda members were also blocked from visiting affected homes for clean-up efforts due to a decision by the district office.
However, he noted that this was not the case for members of other parties such as Umno and Bersatu, who were allowed to enter flood-hit areas with minimal or no resistance from authorities.
Syed Saddiq said Muda has even submitted an official application to the district office, but the request was rejected due to “ominous” reasons.
“The brief reason given was that ‘this cannot be implemented’,” Syed Saddiq said.
“It (district office) had even asked us to provide the names of the aid recipients at a time when people needed help the most.”
Syed Saddiq said the six Muda members in Johor were questioned by police over alleged breaches of SOPs during the party’s flood relief efforts.
He said although the party members had apologised, the state’s acting police chief said they would still be investigated under Section 188 of the Penal Code for disobeying instructions of a public servant.
“Never mind. We are open to being investigated and we understand that the police are merely doing their jobs,” he said.
“Perhaps there are hidden hands moving in the background who want to weaken the spirits of our volunteers who are helping flood victims.”
On the double standards, Syed Saddiq said there are many pictures of members of other political parties assisting flood victims.
“They can go house to house wearing their political shirts, cleaning the homes, and giving aid, but Muda members are not allowed. Instead, Muda is being investigated and its applications rejected,” he said.
“This is unfair and this is unjust. My question to the state government of Johor is why are you so afraid to allow us to help the people?” – The Vibes, January 13, 2022
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