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August 14, 2005
The tiger and the haze
It was last week - Malaysia was shrouded in haze, everybody was complaining and hoping that the authorities would do something, in Malaysia, in Indonesia, anywhere.
In the newspapers, choking from reports about the haze, was another article that shows, why nothing is happening. Not after 1997, 1998 and not now, currently.
There was this tiger cub, whose destiny was a cooking pot in a restaurant in Malaysia. Someone heard about it, and bought the tiger. The animal was clearly suffering, sick, stressed and all.
The buyer wanted to inform the Wildlife Department in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. He was told "to go to its office and fill up forms instead."
This is what is the problem in Malaysia. There is no empowerment of the individual. Everything must be clarified via forms. Everything is being studied first. If all else fails, the Prime Minister must make an Executive Decision, and only then, things move. Before, forms need to be filled out and everything gets delayed.
This is the relation between the tiger cub and the haze. Indecision, lack of empowerment, don't care attitude, indecisiveness. Pointint fingers at each other, not taking responsibility. It wasn't me, it is the other one. Who cares, if it was Indonesia or Malaysia or a Malaysian company in Indonesia. We are all in the same boat. Where are the ethics of the company that did it? Where is the government action? What about those that burn in Malaysia? What about those who let the engine of their car running and running and running - it does pollute as well. All those little things! But it is easier to point a finger, put in some redtape, and don't do anything, until the next time!
Posted by Andreas at August 14, 2005 09:47 AM
Comments
That tiger cub story had the potential to be the only bright spark for me in a week full of disappointing stories in The Star.
*Had* the potential.
Until I got to the part where the good samaritans were told to "fill up forms instead."
I was so BLOODY annoyed.
I am, however, happy the cub was saved.
Dare I say the cub was more deserving of salvation than the human race? *sigh*
Posted by: Solbi-wan Kenobi at August 15, 2005 10:18 AM
Well written, very well written. Am so happy for the cub.
Posted by: fishtail at August 14, 2005 09:00 PM