Are motorcycle convoys a “legalised” public nuisance dressed up as a noble youth outreach programme?
There has been much debate surrounding the controversial motorcycle convoy events organised by youth wings and politicians from PAS and UMNO.
Sure, they may be viewed by some as a popular and practical youth-engagement activity, purportedly designed to teach the younger generation about discipline and responsibility.
But haven't these motorcycle convoys also become a stage for bitter “proxy battles” between political parties?
Recently, a visibly enraged Transport Minister Anthony Loke lashed out at several assemblymen in PAS-ruled Kelantan for organising a so-called “Mat Motor” convoy to the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu. Not mincing words, the DAP leader labelled the act as "highly irresponsible" and a potential threat to public safety and airport operations.
However, PAS played down the backlash, claiming that such motorcycle events actually provide a lesson in leadership training, where participants are encouraged to develop qualities such as obedience, teamwork, patience, mutual respect, and accountability.
It added that exercising discipline on the road teaches the young riders respect for leadership, adherence to instructions, and consideration for others—qualities that contribute to the development of stronger individuals and a more united community.
But is it really about respect for leadership—or is it a covert strategy to instil in participants blind subservience to a certain political party?
True, at least on paper, such efforts may seem noble and even timely, given the gross indiscipline witnessed almost daily on the roads these days—involving not just mat rempits, but ordinary road users as well.
But if you were to dig deeper, whenever political parties organise these kinds of convoys to generate mass publicity, it would be naive to assume there are no other underlying objectives.
Think about it, when a noisy, intimidating convoy of hundreds of motorcyclists hogs main roads and highways—donned in party colours and blaring horns—what is the overwhelming message being conveyed?
Is it truly about obedience and accountability?
Truth be told, the earlier event in Kota Bharu organised by the Islamist party had amply demonstrated the ugly side of things. In fact, even the state police chief had confirmed that no application was received from the organisers for the programme.
Some may call it syiok sendiri—but isn't it also about cheap publicity for politicians?
In fact, when politicians lead such convoys, chances are the objective is to flaunt their popularity and prowess to the public and their opponents. After all, in politics, optics can be a game changer and a vote-winner!
Additionally, what is disturbing is that most of these motorcycle convoys seem to be organised and participated in by members of a single community.
In that context, with ties among the various ethnic communities in this country probably at the lowest ebb since the bloody “May 13” socio-political flare-up, won't such events send the wrong signal?
Wouldn't some also perceive it as an act of provocation?
Ultimately, rather than uniting the various communities here, it only further sows the seeds of suspicion and division, while causing a deep sense of uneasiness and inconvenience to other road users.
So the burning question remains: as elections draw nearer and tensions rise, should such convoys—particularly those organised by politicians—be allowed on the roads at the expense of peace-loving and law-abiding citizens?
Main information source: World of Buzz and Malay Mail.
JK Joseph (jtkingsworld@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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