What had happened in New Orleans during the aftermath of Katrina is happening in Johor. Looting has been reported:
SEGAMAT: The ugly side of human nature has started to emerge from the floods that have hit several states — there are reports of looting and people are claiming that certain parties, including uniformed personnel, have asked for money before rescuing victims.
This is a major disaster, make no mistake of that. But where is the Prime Minister?
Just like in New Orleans, this is becoming a failure in leadership.
Borrowing Bakri Musa’s phrase: Undurlah Pak Lah!
p/s – Ego amid disaster:
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) — Malaysia does not need foreign help to tackle the severe flood situation in the country, which so far has claimed six lives, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.
Najib, who is also Defence Minister and chairman of the National Disaster Management and Relief Committee, said Malaysia was capable of handling the situation and that flood relief efforts were put in motion the moment floods struck in the states of Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan and Melaka.
“We will handle it ourselves. The situation has stabilised… no need (for foreign help),” he said at a press conference at the Defence Ministry here today when asked if Malaysia would accept foreign help in tackling the disaster.
If I were the top executive person in the government, I’d accept any sincere help from anybody.
pp/s – the PM is finally back in Malaysia, more than five days after tragedy struck:
During his visit Saturday, Abdullah took a helicopter ride for an aerial view of the extent of the floods in several districts of Johor, such as Muar, Batu Pahat and Kota Tinggi.
The prime minister also saw the extent of the floods in Melaka.