KOTA KINABALU: Political colours should fade into the background when floods and landslides strike, says Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking at the launch of the Sabah Barisan Volunteer Squad on Saturday (Sept 20), Ahmad Zahid said that this is the spirit behind the coalition’s new unit.
Describing the initiative as “colour-blind”, Ahmad Zahid said he welcomes not only Barisan members and ordinary citizens to join hands in serving the community and added that compassion should transcend race, religion and party lines.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president said the coalition has never been “seasonal” in its service to the people, and the new squad is proof of that commitment.
“During floods, landslides or any disaster, Barisan will always be close to the people. Many come to help during a disaster, but many also leave once it is over. However, we remain after the event through our post-disaster squads,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the squad has already been on the ground for several days, assisting with clean-up efforts in flood-hit districts.
It has mobilised water tankers, purchased water jets and begun assessing damaged homes in need of repairs and rewiring.
When asked about funding, Ahmad Zahid said it would be allocated based on the situation and needs in disaster-stricken areas.
Sabah Barisan and Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said they plan to register the squad formally next year.
Ahmad Zahid said that to date, they have deployed across all 25 parliamentary constituencies in Sabah, working with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to coordinate operations.
Bung Moktar said the squad is being strengthened to respond swiftly to natural disasters, especially during the critical September-to-January period when flash floods and landslides often occur.
“Clean-up work has already started in Papar, Penampang, Kimanis, Putatan and Beaufort. While we prepare for the state election, we also continue to assist victims. This is Barisan’s way of showing we truly care,” he said.
“Barisan is a ‘colour-blind’ party. When disaster strikes, let's set aside party labels … what matters most is that we work together for the people,” said Ahmad Zahid.
