Some of the common scenes or statements we hope we will no longer see or hear this new year:
EXCUSES AFTER BUS CRASHES
When a crash occurs, everyone, from the Transport Ministry, Land Public Transport Commission, Road Transport Department (RTD), Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research to the soon-to-be- established Malaysian Transport Safety Board will come forward to give their assessments. But, none of the remarks would be so much as to self-inflict.
Speed limiters were once again proposed more than three years ago after the Genting bus horror crash. It also included the proposal for the speed limiter to be tested for its functionality and performance during vehicle roadworthiness inspection, but the matter never became a priority afterwards.
In 1998, the cabinet wanted to make it mandatory for the installation of black boxes on buses to reduce road accidents. Eventually, RTD backed down when bus operators opposed, saying that it was too expensive. The reason put forward was, it would be a strain on the bus companies to install the gadgets on all their buses. Great, it would save the companies of expenditure, that is, until the next deadly crash.
Drivers have also been found to have collected numerous summonses. But, they are behind the wheel and are always chasing trips. No action against them. They have families to feed.
Enforcement is all that’s needed. After all, there are so many agencies involved. Let’s not hear them giving excuses again.
MALAYSIAN FOOTBALL
There is no desire by the administrative body to see a quality national team. How else can it be when the chief coach, after another poor outing, says he got no problem with the players or their attitude? He says the next international friendly will be against Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea. He maintains the teams are strong as they have players featuring in foreign leagues. We don’t have players in the foreign leagues. Ask why. The coach has to go when the team fails.
Some teams are considering pulling out of the M-League, citing lack of funds to carry them through. Which is a farce really. The teams have also not paid wages to some of their players. It was disclosed that three teams owed 21 of their former players RM4.39 million in unpaid salary — ranging from three to six months — last year and that the authorities were taking too long to sort out the cases.
Where is the professionalism? The league is well attended, but little to show in revenue. It must be true the teams are not doing enough to draw their own revenue, and yet some officials of these teams hold the expectation that they could be the Football Association of Malaysia president when the soccer body holds its congress in three months.
FACES HIDDEN
The accused hide their faces when taken to court. They appear all covered up in their desire to be unrecognised. They include top notch officers of big companies and the accused in public interest cases. Yes, they are not found guilty yet, but why the absorbed desire to shut out recognition? And, the authorities in court appear to let them.
MALAY MELODRAMAS
Why, oh why, are Malay television dramas so mushy and predictable? They almost always feature boy meets girl, one of whom is not interested in a relationship. Then, something happens and the two are together and are ultimately preparing for marriage.
The tear-jerker has rich elements of city life in which luxury cars, big houses and extravagant lifestyles are displayed. And, the story finally ends on an even keel with the offending party on a prayer mat (it has to be so direct) to ask for forgiveness. The whole society will be living in dreamland with such melodramas.
WATER SUPPLY
Taps will run dry each time the water authority feels the supply is draining out when the dry season comes. This is despite continuous rain during the wet season. It all depends on the season, meaning that there is no management system to store water and make it a more sustaining season.
Then, there is the poisoning and contamination issues which cause treatment plants to close. Something ought to be done about this immediately.
The above are only five of the many we would want stopped.
Syed Nadzri is a former NST group editor