Syed Saddiq’s Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) has seen its fair share of backlash.
Although many of its volunteers and committee members have been quick to assist with flood relief efforts, some Malaysians have criticised and falsely accused the party for all sorts of things.
Recently, according to party president Syed Saddiq, 6 MUDA volunteers in Johor have been called up by the police for directly providing aid to flood victims without getting prior permission from the Segamat district officer.
In a Facebook live stream yesterday (9 January), Syed Saddiq explained that the volunteers were questioned by Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) over an alleged breach of the procedure while delivering assistance.
In a post on Twitter, he writes, “I understand that there are SOPs for flood aid, but there’s no need to interrogate the volunteers.”
“If you want to investigate, investigate me. We are merely serving the rakyat.”
He explained that they had gone directly to help flood victims who have been pleading for help for a few days.
“Please don’t treat the volunteers like criminals with police investigations. Show empathy. Show compassion,” he added.
Syed Saddiq also apologised and pleaded for the authorities to be more flexible as they are merely trying to serve the needs of the people.
Segamat District Disaster Management Committee: Anyone wishing to help needs to file paperwork
Following the incident, the Segamat district disaster management committee has issued a statement which stated that anyone that wishes to help in post-flood relief work needs to file paperwork for coordination.
It stated that the application that must be filed at the Center for Segamat Flood Operation Control is required for the purpose of coordination, safety, and well-being of all parties and that every application needs to be approved by its chairperson.
Politician tells Syed Saddiq not to make the police his scapegoat
In a press statement, Johor Tourism, Youth, and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated that, “Nobody is above the law including YB Syed Saddiq and party MUDA.”
“I suggest that Syed Saddiq stop making the PDRM a scapegoat.”
Syed Saddiq has since responded to the allegations and explained that he isn’t criticising the police for carrying out their duties.
“When we went to help a family in Muar who have not received any aid, the police came to tell us off. The people of the village defended us and said that the SOPs are making life difficult.”
“It’s not the fault of the police, it is the fault of the SOPs.”
Netizens in support of MUDA
Following the reports of the incident which have circulated all over social media, netizens were quick to show their support for the MUDA volunteers.
Some netizens even criticised the police for focusing on “trivial” issues when there are more pressing issues out there.
“Volunteers give assistance and gets investigated. But those who are supposed to give assistance can’t even be seen,” said a user.
Another said, “This is an example of the bureaucracy in our country. You have to go through layers and layers just to give assistance and aid… and end up getting investigated.”
Do you think that they are in the wrong? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Syed Saddiq Debunks Accusations That MUDA is Using Flood Relief Funds To Buy Alcohol
