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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright August 2024
In Kedah, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor recently urged the people to pray for rain to restore the critically low water levels in the state's dams.
With the water level at Muda dam at a precarious 8%, Pedu dam at 39.09%, and Ahning dam at 81.8%, this call to divine intervention has sparked a conversation about the role of faith in governance and the responsibilities of elected officials.
Sanusi's remarks, made during a breakfast programme, emphasise reliance on Allah to bring rain, stating, “Allah will command the angels to bring rain, then rain will come and fill up the dams again. There is no human solution to God’s work.”
While faith and spirituality undeniably play significant roles in many people's lives, the implications of such statements by a political leader are profound and multifaceted.
Water scarcity is a pressing issue that demands proactive and practical solutions. By attributing the resolution of this crisis solely to divine intervention, Sanusi seems to sidestep the pressing need for effective water management policies and infrastructure development.
The statement, "We humans can't make rain ourselves, pray to Allah (for) rain," underscores a passive approach that may not sit well with those directly affected by the water shortage.
The notion that “there is no human solution to God’s work” is problematic in the context of governance. While faith can provide solace and hope, it should not replace the responsibility of leaders to seek and implement tangible solutions.
Effective water management involves a combination of policy, technology, and community engagement. Rainwater harvesting, dam maintenance, and sustainable agricultural practices are just a few human solutions that can mitigate water scarcity.
Moreover, the suggestion that the depletion of dam water levels won't impact agricultural activities, given that water has been released from padi fields into the Muda Agricultural Development Authority rivers, raises questions about long-term sustainability and resource management. Such measures may offer temporary relief but do not address the root causes of the crisis or provide a long-term strategy for water security.
In regions heavily reliant on agriculture, water is not just a resource but a lifeline. The wellbeing of farmers and the local economy hinges on consistent and reliable water access. Leaders must, therefore, balance faith with action, ensuring that prayers for rain are accompanied by robust policies and practical measures.
The interplay between faith and governance is complex. While invoking divine aid in times of crisis is understandable and even expected in many cultures, it should not absolve leaders from their duty to explore and implement human solutions.
The people of Kedah, like all citizens, deserve a government that combines spiritual guidance with actionable plans, ensuring that essential resources like water are managed efficiently and sustainably.
As we await the rains, let us also urge our leaders to roll up their sleeves, embrace the tools and knowledge at their disposal, and work towards a future where water scarcity is a challenge met with both faith and fortitude.
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