I wish that this would be my last post on this issue, until the moment where MoFT finally decide on their REAL actions, re-clarify their goals and work on it.
It was a little ‘phew’ for me reading a report in Astro Awani webpage stating the ban will be postponed until after Eid Fitr. (Read here: http://www.astroawani.com/news/show/tempoh-larangan-ngo-bantu-gelandangan-ditangguh-hingga-lepas-raya-39339)
Does this will lessen public anger? I don’t know. Let’s wait.
At least for me, this means nothing than just a ‘cooling off’ move, probably adviced by some crisis management consultant.
Two things they did right:
1. Allowing Datuk Seri Adnan bin Hj Md Ikshan, Secretary General for Ministry of Federal Territories to issue a statement that cancels out the earlier order. (That the ban should come into effect starting today based on Ku Nan’s statement)
Image wise, at least we can see this guy dressed like a Baju Melayu and Kain Pelikat taking a look around at the homeless on the street, though it was done yesterday, 7th July. (Refer his Facebook Fan Page : https://www.facebook.com/adnan.ikshan)
And this Adnan, unlike the earlier Adnan; words himself better, plus a little injection of positive element, I quote the article (In Malay):
‘…kementeriannya tidak bermaksud menunjuk-nunjuk kuasa dalam menguatkuasakan peraturan tersebut tetapi hanya bertujuan memastikan kebersihan ibu kota dan orang awam dapat menggunakan kemudahan dan kawasan itu dengan selesa…’
“Kita bukan melakukannya semata-mata untuk menguatkuasakan undang-undang. Kita mahu pertubuhan bukan kerajaan bersama-sama dengan kita dalam memastikan kebersihan bandar raya.
“Sekiranya golongan tidak berumah terus memenuhi kawasan ini sepanjang masa, bagaimana dengan orang lain yang mahu menggunakan kawasan ini juga,” ungkap beliau.
*Link to Google Translate here.
2. The delay itself, which allowing both parties (ministries, govt agencies and NGOS) to engage better. (Though this should has been done much earlier in more sincere gesture).
More engagement means more exchange of words that carries ideas, understanding and hope between the involved parties.
It should tear off a lot of ego, especially on the ‘know-it-all’ side.
***
In reality, these statements made by two ministers of different ministry, together with this new one from the Sec Gen, pretty much means nothing to me.
They remain rhetoric.
When the minister said that they might take over several buildings in Chow Kit and turn them into homeless’ heaven, my concern remains the same – I wish to see action first, not meaningless words uttered as part of damage control measures.
Therefore, I shall repeat my suggestions to Ku Nan (as well as for Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and Datuk Adnan, Sec Gen of MoFT) so the noble idea shall come into reality sooner, with lesser unnecessary conflict to be dealt with.
1. Stop issuing statements for your projects that are still in the category of
a. ‘under study‘…
b. ‘we will consider‘…
c. ‘In my opinion‘…
d. Anything that goes along with the above.
2. Run the project first. At least a pilot test – THEN speak about it. At least you’ll have better understanding based on real-case data.
3. Change your advisors. You are a politician – should have the eye as sharp as eagle to see lies on the table and the kipas under it.
[New] 4. Attend Media Engagement Course. We need to comply to the 7-training-days rule.
At the end of the day, everyone including myself wish to see no one has to live on the streets anymore.
Ali Imran
Kuala Lumpur
July 8th, 2014
1911LT
ALI IMRAN 