KUALA LUMPUR – Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar-Muda) claimed those in power are reluctant to embark on climate change initiatives as the issue will not gain them political mileage.
In a fiery speech in the Dewan Rakyat today, the opposition lawmaker said the recent flooding that killed dozens and caused billions in damage proved that Putrajaya must act proactively to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
“The government must take more proactive and preventive measures, not just wait for floods to strike,” he said during the parliamentary special sitting to discuss the recent flooding.
“But I understand. If we look at the country’s political landscape today, it is quite difficult to discuss the issue of climate change because it is not sexy.
“Only when a flood happens will this issue be played up. After a month, everything becomes quiet again. There are no discussions, and when budget applications are made, they are ignored.”
Syed Saddiq said the time is ripe for all political parties to recognise that Malaysia is in a very risky position, and to acknowledge that the country is facing a climate emergency.
He also questioned the government’s silence on the proposed Climate Change Act mooted by the previous Pakatan Harapan government.
“This is important, because to ensure we can address the issue of floods, this must be included in the development budget, and not be negotiated every year. This should be a 10, 20-year plan, because the budget involved is huge.
“With this new legislation, it will make it easier for us to have a system in which we can integrate all ministries to take this climate change issue more seriously.”
Syed Saddiq also called on the government to set up a specific select committee on climate change if it was truly committed to address the long-standing problem.
On the issue of rampant logging in the country, he said it is important that a proper commission and inquiry be set up to probe into the matter, with the findings then tabled in Parliament. – The Vibes, January 20, 2022
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