Fighting Drug Menace Demands National Will And Ownership

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The largely swept under the carpet truth is, drug smuggling and addiction have swelled in the country to an alarming degree
The occasional news reports on police hauls and drug busting may appear like we are winning the war
But as our new Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said of recent in July, the country’s drug problem was worsening (FMT, Sept 4, 2019)
He warned, "Malaysia could become a major source of narcotics"

“If we do not check (this) now, we could lead the way just like Colombia,” he said
How many NGOs, civil society groups, activists and religious organisations took this revelation to task
The growing number of unemployed youths and businesspersons who are bent on reaping huge, unaccounted profits coupled with our 100 percent shortage of law enforcers has continued to give a cover for the drug menace to flourish
State governments are unwilling to own up to reality in the respective states where they hold power
Instead, often they use religion and race rage as the painted canvas to bury the ugly reality
Meanwhile, our lawmakers are too busy trying to reach the 2020 goal post in attempts to stay within popular power fencing
Many of our politicians are announcing or peddling all kinds of mantras promising development and progress
Likewise, those on the opposition are clamouring with allegations and cover-ups to regain political power
In essence, we have been losing this war on drugs as Malaysia remains a safe haven for the transit of drugs
And the drug addicts and smugglers are swelling by the decades
Yes, becoming a Columbia is not far fetched
And certainly we do not have a Duterte-styled leadership either to put up a desperate fight against the drug menace
Those who parade as guardians of national sovereignty and beat drums claiming certain Malaysian political parties are threatening and undermining race, religion and royalty are truly traitors
They need to step out from their protected power bases or cloisters of comfort and acknowledge that the real enemies of the state are drug traders and addicts
We need to openly admit the true state of the problem
We need all segments of society to join hands to fight this disaster
We need to commit more of our national wealth and budget to prioritise a war on drugs
You cannot sustain a developed or developing nation status with mortar and money alone. You need to have a citizenry that is free of the drug menace
Are our people and the government ready?  - Mkini

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