Pipeline fire: Loke defends 'diam' remark, admits being 'a bit angry'

Summary

• DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke defends his 'diam' remark made in response to critics of the party's disaster relief efforts for victims of the Putra Heights fire incident.

• DAP leader says it was upsetting that some were politicising the party’s relief efforts.

• Loke emphasises the transparency of DAP's fundraising efforts, adding that the books are audited regularly.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has defended his blunt "shut up" remark, saying it was a response to individuals politicising the party’s disaster relief efforts.

Speaking to Malaysiakini recently, Loke admitted he was "a bit emotional and angry" when he lashed out at critics last Saturday.

"We were out there helping people, yet some were still using this to attack us.

"We know certain people were trying to stir public sentiment, so I said, ‘If you’re not helping, just diam (shut up)’,” said the transport minister in a Chinese-language podcast yesterday.

The podcast was released on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts last night.

Loke recently berated those who questioned DAP for setting up a fund to help those affected by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.

“If you’re condemning those who are trying to help, it’s a big sin.

“It’s better for them to use their energy to find ways to help… if you can’t help, just keep quiet,” he was reported as saying.

While Loke did not name the critic, some in DAP believed it was cyber troopers linked to MCA – which was dismissed by MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong.

The Petronas gas pipeline fire, which occurred on April 1, saw flames soaring over 30m high, reaching temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours to extinguish the fire completely.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | What we know so far about the Putra Heights inferno

The total losses and damage to residences involved in the gas pipeline fire are estimated at RM65.4 million.

Eighty-one houses were categorised as completely destroyed (with structural damage exceeding 40 percent), 81 as partially destroyed (with structural damage of less than 40 percent), and 57 as affected but did not suffer any structural impact, while the remaining 218 were not affected.

The federal and Selangor governments, along with Petronas, have announced aid for the victims, including cash aid and temporary accommodation.

In addition, Loke and other government leaders facilitated connections between private companies and business figures, such as Berjaya Group Bhd founder Vincent Tan, who pledged RM3,000 in financial aid for each affected family.

Frequent visits to Putra Heights

On that note, Loke said he had visited the site three times in one week, even though it’s neither his constituency nor under his ministry’s purview.

"The cabinet didn’t assign me to this. You don’t need a mandate to do the right thing. If you’ve got the heart to help, just do it," he added.

As such, the Seremban MP said he did not mind if his outburst became a public relations disaster.

"Everyone has emotions. If I didn’t, I’d be a god. Why was I emotional? That was because our focus should be on helping the victims.

"It is okay if you play politics over a political issue, but this is a tragedy," Loke lamented.

He recounted meeting a homeowner who had just paid off his mortgage and renovated his house, only to lose everything in the explosion.

"He had no insurance. Now, he’s stuck in a budget hotel, not knowing how long he’ll be there. As a leader, a politician, and a human, seeing such hardship moves you.

"It’s okay if you don't want to help, but when you criticise and fan the flame, I think we should rebuke them," he said.

‘All donations audited’

Loke revealed that DAP publicity secretary Yeo Bee Yin came up with the idea of a relief fund, and as of yesterday, they have raised over RM800,000.

He also stressed that all donations are audited and transparent.

Loke reiterated that while the governments and Petronas have provided aid, DAP, as a political party, can also mobilise social forces for disaster relief.

"Our party accounts go through yearly audits, and daily bank statements are issued. This isn’t my account - it’s the party’s. Every sen will go to the victims.

"No one is forced to donate. If you don’t trust us, donate directly to the victims. This is entirely voluntary," Loke said.

Federal govt channels RM14.7m to Selangor for disaster assistance

Pipeline fire: Ground stabilisation operation intensifies

Putra Heights fire: Mechanical, environment factors also probed - cops

Pipeline blaze: Gas Malaysia expands supply curtailment

Petronas will give additional cash aid to pipeline fire victims