FMT Reporters| December 26, 2014

Lim Kit Siang writes how thousands are affected by the devastating floods, yet DPM not ready to declare “emergency” and PM is on vacation.

PETALING JAYA: Without having to say out loud how our prime minister and his deputy are failing the people during a time of great need, DAP elder statesman Lim Kit Siang succeeded in doing precisely that in his latest blog entry.

This early morning entry followed yesterday’s where he criticised Najib Razak for sneaking off to the US for a vacation while chaos and destruction overwhelmed the people of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak and Perlis.

Describing how the devastating floods have disrupted water supply and resulted in power cuts, Lim also stated how food rations were depleting rapidly and even automated teller machines (ATMs) were running out of cash.

Quoting several media sources, Lim related how residents in Manek Urai and Dabong were “forced to go hungry because they are completely cut off” due to most major roads being inaccessible even to rescue vehicles because of strong under currents.

He quoted Bernama that reported how Kelantan Umno liaison chief Mustapa Mohamad had said, “There are many children and senior citizens at these unreachable locations,” in reference to flood victims trapped in 28 locations including “hilltops, schools and mosques” in Kuala Krai.

Relating how Rahana Awang had told Bernama “our homes are gone” after eight houses were swept away from strong currents, Lim added, “More than 90,000 have been evacuated due to floods in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis and Perak.

“At least 30,000 were evacuated from homes in Kelantan”.

Sounding somewhat incredulous but showing great restraint all the same, Lim simply kept to the facts and wrote, “Acting Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said a state of emergency will not be called as rescue efforts are already underway.”

“Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is on year-end vacation in Hawaii, but said he is keeping tabs on the situation via phone calls to Muhyiddin.”