LONDON: Let us be together in times of catastrophe for the sake of the people, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said today.
Reezal said he was thankful that the recent floods which affected his constituency of Kepala Batas, in Penang, had witnessed the "coming together" of the Federal government and state government for the sake of the people.
He said this after the launch of ‘Strategic Engagement on Nation Building and Contemporary Issues' to the Malaysian diaspora yesterday, where he delivered a keynote address.
“We pooled together resources and efforts for the sake of the people as demonstrated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi with the state government.
"Go hand in hand with the people to ensure that we do not overlook even one person in giving aid,” he said, adding that being away from his constituency gave him a sense of guilt especially knowing that there was a warning of a second wave of floods.
“In this situation, we should put aside our political differences. I would like to thank the PM for announcing the RM150 million aid and I thank the state government which has an open mind to accept the helping hand from the central government,” he added.
Reezal explained that Kepala Batas had never experienced floods of such magnitude before, brought about by high tides and exceptionally high rainfall.
As such they did not have the experience nor the standards of operations to deal with it initially.
“When the people affected were moved to the evacuation centres, we couldn’t find enough blankets and food. I went to Mydin and Tesco but couldn’t find them. So I had to cross over to Kedah. These have given me valuable and meaningful experience,” said Reezal.
“We hope to be able to be more prepared when the next wave happens.
"We have asked the Meteorological Department to notify us early so that we are better prepared and ready,” he said, adding that he hoped to be back in the country before the next wave happens.