Past floods should have taught us to be more prepared, says Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: Lessons should have been learned from all previous floods, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).

The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said while the evacuation of victims in Selangor might have been different compared to other places, it must be remembered that this was not the first time that residents of housing estates in affected areas in Selangor have been affected by floods.

"Lessons should have been learned from all the previous occasions.

"The authorities could have then devised different methods and protocols to deal with floods in the west coast," he said in a statement on Friday (Dec 24).

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has urged the people to avoid finger pointing but rather to work together during these trying times.

"I agree that comments against the respective departments and agencies must be fair and constructive.

"However, it cannot be denied that the government was not adequately prepared at the initial stage to handle and manage the disaster," he added.

While the past could not be undone, Malaysians can rebuild the future together, Lee said.

"It is therefore important for everybody to put our shoulders to the wheel and prepare ourselves to face the next crisis," he said.

It should be acknowledged that the rakyat has shown the way, he added.

"It was heartwarming to see how the people of all races have been helping each other, and offering a mosque, gurdwaras and other places of worship for flood victims.

"Food packages have been prepared and distributed by residents associations, clubs, and associations. Old folks have been cared for and donations collected to provide financial assistance to those who had lost everything.

"I have seen videos of stoic individuals who have taken the tragic events in their stride, and although they have themselves suffered losses, have been quick to lend a helping hand to their neighbours regardless of race, religion or creed," he said.

Such lessons in racial harmony and unity is something that some leaders who have been expressing divisive and derisive comments can learn from, Lee lamented.

He added that despite the initial hiccups in the flood relief and rescue operations help will now be immediate and better coordinated, according to the directive by the Prime Minister.