Pray Tell, Nik Abduh, What Would You Have Done?
A Critique of Political Leaders
When people come together with the aim of helping others in trying times, it can be irritating to hear a sermon about placing trust in God, especially if it comes from someone who, in theory, is in a position to influence government policy.
The recent White Flag campaign, launched on social media, urged people who need immediate assistance, especially food, to display a white flag at their homes as they try to cope with the latest lockdown. Already, the campaign has brought some results. Good Samaritans have rushed to the aid of those less fortunate than themselves.
A Disappointing Response from Nik Abduh
Nik Abduh Nik Aziz of PAS responded to the White Flag campaign by belittling it, advising people to “raise their hands in prayer to God” rather than admitting defeat in the face of challenges. This response is callous at best. At worst, it comes off as a cop-out by an MP making excuses for a ruling coalition that some see as struggling or failing to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects.
A Different Kind of Leadership
The fact that the public has taken up the White Flag campaign, despite the plethora of initiatives by Putrajaya to help cushion the impact of the pandemic, is telling. The people are taking matters into their own hands, not leaving them in the hands of the gods. There is a similar theme that can be seen in comments left by readers on news articles about preacher Ebit Lew coming to the aid of the destitute: that private citizen Ebit Lew does a better job helping the people than does the government.
A Call for Clear Leadership
Clearly, the people want solutions. They want clear, carefully thought-out strategies for the country to come out of the health crisis. They want clarity, even – or perhaps especially – on something as simple as an SOP, and not the muddle that we have become used to. At this desperate stage, they are not looking for advice from a pulpit. Least of all do they need a moralising admonishment.
A Shameful Response from Nik Abduh
Faced with such sentiments on the ground, MPs should feel ashamed that the people, for whom they have continually pledged to work, are picking up the slack. More so an MP such as Nik Abduh, who has been so dismissive of the people’s efforts.
A Renewed Focus
If anything, Nik Abduh should pray for the White Flag campaign to succeed. After all, heaven knows he cannot do much for them at this point.
Conclusion
The White Flag campaign is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Malaysian people. It is a reminder that, in times of crisis, people will come together to support one another. Politicians like Nik Abduh would do well to take note of this and focus on providing concrete solutions rather than offering empty platitudes.
FAQs
* What is the White Flag campaign?
The White Flag campaign is a social media initiative that urges people to display a white flag at their homes if they need immediate assistance, especially food, during the latest lockdown.
* What is Nik Abduh’s response to the campaign?
Nik Abduh Nik Aziz, an MP from PAS, responded to the campaign by advising people to “raise their hands in prayer to God” rather than admitting defeat in the face of challenges.
* What is the public’s reaction to the campaign?
The public has responded positively to the campaign, with Good Samaritans rushing to the aid of those less fortunate than themselves.
* What does the White Flag campaign reveal about the public’s perception of the government’s response to the pandemic?
The campaign reveals that the public is dissatisfied with the government’s response to the pandemic and is taking matters into their own hands.