SHAH ALAM - Despite various explanations and clarifications given by Barisan Nasional leaders in response to Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement on holding the 15th General Election (GE15) during floods, many especially those affected by the disaster are still up in arms about their detachment from the ground and the people.
Sinar Daily spoke to flood victims on how they felt about his statement and the possible outcomes if the polls were to be taken place when their homes and surroundings were truly inundated under water.
Amiera Islammiah Rohaizudin, flood victim from Taman Mas in Puchong said it was illogical to hold elections during a risky situation.
Her home late last year was damaged by the unprecedented floods that inundated parts of Selangor.
"If GE15 is going to be held during the peak flooding season, I’m sure that many victims like us will not be able to fulfil our responsibilities to vote," she told Sinar Dialy
Amiera said the sense of humanity was paramount when flood disasters occur and urged the government and political parties to stop being selfish when it comes to regaining power.
"Governments and political parties should utilise common sense and refrain from acting selfishly when addressing the flood issue.
"It is better for the government to help the flood victims first and provide essentials such as food, drink and temporary shelters among others rather than putting people lives in danger by forcing people to vote," she said.
Meanwhile, Nurul Norashikin Mesely who lives in Kemaman, Terengganu and no stranger to the floodings said all parties, regardless in government or otherwise should be focused on how to deal with the disaster and reduce destruction post-floods.
She said safety of those affected by the floods should be top of the list and it important not only for the government to provide assistance but also find solutions to ease the burden of flood victims.
"It's just another cycle of our lives, the flooding.
"But if a general election is held during that same period, what about the fate of the victims?" She questioned.
Norashikin said the flood victims will also feel more pressured and anxious than usual as the government and political parties would be throwing their political agendas to the victims when they would be in most in need.
She also stated that they would usually be placed in temporary relief centres at schools and community halls, typically utilised as polling centres during elections.
"What will happen to the flood victims if these places are used as polling centres?
"Try to put yourself in the shoes of the flood victims. Do you feel that the action to hold an election in a time of disaster is reasonable? ‘Tepuk dada tanya selera’ (Malay proverb),” she said.
Sharing similar views, Nor Aini Salleh from Kampung Kubang Pak Hitam in Pasir Mas, Kelantan said many people she knew felt troubled that their ability to vote during GE15 may be affected.
She said the floods would affect their ability to vote in person as well as limit their ability to travel.
"I've been through floods, so I understand how difficult it is to move back and forth from my house to another location while coping with the consequences of the damages," she said.
Nor Aini added that she was certain that the election will take centre stage and that aid to flood victims would be reduced.
Sentiments shared by the flood victims reflects how the decision to conduct GE15 during floods will disparage the risks and misery of the people.
While everyone acknowledges the importance of elections, two major floods in Sri Muda (last year) and Baling (this year) served as a reminder that the welfare of the people should come first.
Zahid has since clarified his statement where he said his party were willing to wade through the flood waters if GE15 were held during the year-end monsoon season, claiming that they were "misunderstood”.