Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has slammed Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob for his statement on the Cameron Highlands mud flood.

“Adnan’s statement is unacceptable and merely said to divert attention from the real issue,” Kok said in a statement today.

Adnan was quoted as saying that if the state government carries out strict enforcement on excessive land clearing, “there will be people who will immediately attack the government as being inhumane”.

However, Kok said Adnan ( right ) was simply trying to divert attention from the real issue - that the government had failed in its responsibility to prevent excessive land clearing.

“Does he really think he can convince the public that due to its fear of being criticised, the state government has refrained from doing what it should do to prevent excessive land clearing?

“Since he knew that lack of strict enforcement will result in mud flood, which will cause loss of lives and damage to properties, how could he have failed to take the necessary actions to prevent and resolve the problem?”

Further stressing that a responsible government would not allow excessive land clearing, Kok ( left ) said Adnan must be reminded that it is the responsibility of his government to prevent and resolve the excessive land clearing problem

“Adnan must be reminded that it is the responsibility of his government to prevent and resolve the excessive land clearing problem and he must not try to find any excuses for the government’s incompetency and inefficiency.

“Cameron Highlands is one of the most popular tourists spots in Malaysia. The occurrence of mud floods will also cause tourists to stay away from the area and thus local tourism will be hurt,” she said

The mud flood, which was triggered by heavy rain on Wednesday, claimed five lives.

Two more bodies found in Cameron mud flood