The environment minister, says an MIC man, should be appointed as the country's Special Envoy of Temples in India.
PETALING JAYA: The haze that has enveloped Kuala Lumpur and Selangor over the past few days has not only reduced visibility but has also made Natural Resources and Environment Minister G Palanivel invisible, former MIC strategy director S Vell Paari said today.
“While a large portion of Malaysians are suffering as a result of inhaling the unhealthy-level of polluted air, Palanivel seems to be oblivious to it.
“He does not have even the courtesy to call for a press conference to calm ruffled feathers of the rakyat. He should be the one explaining to the people about the haze,” he said, taking an aim at his party president.
“As the minister responsible for environment, Palanivel has a duty of care to the citizens of Malaysia to explain the real situation. But I think he is not even bothered,” he said in a press statement today.
He said the behaviour of Palanivel was unbecoming of a minister in charge of the environment as he seemed not to be bothered to tackle issues effecting the ministry.
“Palanivel is not bothered to issue any directives for the safety of our children and the elderly. Do we need this kind of a irresponsible minister?,” questioned Vell Paari, an outspoken party leader who was dropped from MIC central working committee (CWC) in July last year.
The country, especially the Klang Valley, has been experiencing haze over the past week due to bush fires caused by the ongoing drought. The burning of agriculture land in Indonesia has not helped alleviate the situation here.
The air pollutant index (API) climbed to as high as 137 in Port Klang on March 3, with seven parts of Kuala Lumpur and the states of Selangor and Negri Sembilan recording levels above 100, which is classified as unhealthy.
An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 301 and above, hazardous.
“From May till September last year, we experienced one of worst haze situations in the country. During the period, Palanivel reacted very late, only after getting lambasted by various politicians and non-governmental associations.
“Since then, we have had flash floods, dam outpouring in Cameron Highlands and now an equally bad haze, but Palanivel is no where to be seen. Does he need to be pushed every time?” asked Vell Paari.
Set KPI for NRE minister
Vell Paari said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin seemed to have taken over the responsibilities from Palanivel as they are the ones who are on the ground when a natural calamity occurs.
“The prime minister and his deputy cannot do it all, while Palanivel goes on his usual holidays to either India or Australia.
“In my opinion, Palanivel should be appointed as the Special Envoy of Temples to India. That is what he (Palanivel) does best.
On a more serious note, Vell Paari said Najib should set key performance index for ministers like Palanivel and ensure these ministers be truthful in giving their performance figures.
“I am very curious to know if Palanivel has any KPI as he is seen to be nowhere near of fulfilling it. I am sure issuing statements once in a blue moon does not satisfy the KPI.
“I request the prime minister to publicly announce the KPI set for the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and its minister because all Malaysians need a well-equipped, responsible and caring Natural Resources and Environment Minister,” he stressed.
PETALING JAYA: The haze that has enveloped Kuala Lumpur and Selangor over the past few days has not only reduced visibility but has also made Natural Resources and Environment Minister G Palanivel invisible, former MIC strategy director S Vell Paari said today.“While a large portion of Malaysians are suffering as a result of inhaling the unhealthy-level of polluted air, Palanivel seems to be oblivious to it.
“He does not have even the courtesy to call for a press conference to calm ruffled feathers of the rakyat. He should be the one explaining to the people about the haze,” he said, taking an aim at his party president.
“As the minister responsible for environment, Palanivel has a duty of care to the citizens of Malaysia to explain the real situation. But I think he is not even bothered,” he said in a press statement today.
He said the behaviour of Palanivel was unbecoming of a minister in charge of the environment as he seemed not to be bothered to tackle issues effecting the ministry.
“Palanivel is not bothered to issue any directives for the safety of our children and the elderly. Do we need this kind of a irresponsible minister?,” questioned Vell Paari, an outspoken party leader who was dropped from MIC central working committee (CWC) in July last year.
The country, especially the Klang Valley, has been experiencing haze over the past week due to bush fires caused by the ongoing drought. The burning of agriculture land in Indonesia has not helped alleviate the situation here.
The air pollutant index (API) climbed to as high as 137 in Port Klang on March 3, with seven parts of Kuala Lumpur and the states of Selangor and Negri Sembilan recording levels above 100, which is classified as unhealthy.
An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 301 and above, hazardous.
“From May till September last year, we experienced one of worst haze situations in the country. During the period, Palanivel reacted very late, only after getting lambasted by various politicians and non-governmental associations.
“Since then, we have had flash floods, dam outpouring in Cameron Highlands and now an equally bad haze, but Palanivel is no where to be seen. Does he need to be pushed every time?” asked Vell Paari.
Set KPI for NRE minister
Vell Paari said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin seemed to have taken over the responsibilities from Palanivel as they are the ones who are on the ground when a natural calamity occurs.
“The prime minister and his deputy cannot do it all, while Palanivel goes on his usual holidays to either India or Australia.
“In my opinion, Palanivel should be appointed as the Special Envoy of Temples to India. That is what he (Palanivel) does best.
On a more serious note, Vell Paari said Najib should set key performance index for ministers like Palanivel and ensure these ministers be truthful in giving their performance figures.
“I am very curious to know if Palanivel has any KPI as he is seen to be nowhere near of fulfilling it. I am sure issuing statements once in a blue moon does not satisfy the KPI.
“I request the prime minister to publicly announce the KPI set for the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and its minister because all Malaysians need a well-equipped, responsible and caring Natural Resources and Environment Minister,” he stressed.
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