Government to Provide Assistance Directly to Flood Victims, Says Deputy Prime Minister
No Assistance through Elected Representatives
The government will continue to provide assistance directly to flood victims through relevant agencies, rather than through elected representatives, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. As the chairman of the national disaster management committee, Zahid emphasized that assistance has been provided equally by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, and other agencies.
Elected Representatives’ Role
Zahid stressed that elected representatives, including state assemblymen and members of Parliament, should come down to help flood victims. "We ask state assemblymen and members of Parliament to come down to help them… because they must care for their respective voters," he said. However, the government’s primary focus is on providing assistance directly to flood victims, regardless of their constituency.
Flood Relief Efforts
The government has been providing assistance to flood victims since the onset of the disaster. God willing, the presence of flood relief agencies at the affected areas has eased the anger of flood victims, Zahid said. He added that the government provides assistance to flood victims equally, without favoritism.
Calls for Direct Assistance
At a press conference in Parliament, Arau MP Shahidan Kassim urged the government to consider an immediate allocation of RM1 million to opposition MPs whose areas were affected by the floods to be channelled to the victims involved. Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal also requested that the government allow financial assistance to be channelled directly to elected representatives in flood-affected areas to avoid delays in giving assistance to the victims.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the government’s primary focus is on providing assistance to flood victims directly, rather than through elected representatives. While elected representatives can play a supporting role, the government’s efforts are centered on providing equal assistance to all flood victims, regardless of their constituency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Will the government provide assistance to flood victims through elected representatives?
A: No, the government will provide assistance directly to flood victims through relevant agencies. - Q: What is the role of elected representatives in flood relief efforts?
A: Elected representatives, including state assemblymen and members of Parliament, should come down to help flood victims and care for their respective voters. - Q: How does the government provide assistance to flood victims?
A: The government provides assistance equally to all flood victims, regardless of their constituency, through relevant agencies such as Nadma, ICU, and other organizations.