Home TA Online Compassion crisis: Where’s the ‘care’ in Malaysia’s ‘Madani’?

Compassion crisis: Where’s the ‘care’ in Malaysia’s ‘Madani’?

While authorities swiftly ticket parked cars, both strays and society's vulnerable continue to languish on Malaysia's streets, challenging the claims of compassionate governance

Homelessness on the streets - JD LOVRENCIEAR/ALIRAN

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First, reports emerged of the brutal shooting of Kopi, a harmless stray dog. 

Then we saw a photo of the cruel, senseless capture of a straying cow on messaging apps.

These incidents of animal cruelty are not isolated incidents in Malaysia, going by countless media exposes in news portals and on social media. 

To this, we should add the visible growing problem of homelessness commonly seen on our streets.

If we walk through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, we would invariably see pockets of homeless people, including vagrants and mentally ill people, along walkways, outside business outlets and at train stations.

Despite the government advocating for the “Madani” philosophy of care and compassion, we witness the contrary on the ground. 

From our brutal cruelty to animals to our indifference to social problems, we have failed to live up to the Madani principles. 

But when it comes to the issuing of penalty notices to vehicles for illegal parking, we see amazing efficiency by the enforcement units of the various municipal and city councils.

It makes us wonder about the social welfare authorities, which should be collaborating with relevant agencies and ministries to address the issues of the homeless, the vagrants and the mentally unstable on our streets.

So why are we not witnessing the same vigilance by the various government agencies? Why are we repeatedly failing to show mercy and attention to not only animals but also the homeless? 

It is time we revisited our Madani aspirations. It is time we reminded ourselves that the Madani principles are not merely a tool to be used for political leverage. 

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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JD Lovrenciear
JD Lovrenciear, an Aliran member, is a KL-based writer, trainer and consultant who also offers his time to support initiatives to build a progressive society. He is also a vice-president of the Malaysian National Patriots Association (Patriot).
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