RECENTLY, while travelling in Penang, I experienced a tense and disturbing moment at the Udini Underpass when several outriders escorting a VIP abruptly stopped the flow of traffic to allow the convoy to pass.
What was particularly alarming was the manner in which traffic was halted. Motorists travelling normally were suddenly forced to slam on their brakes to avoid colliding with vehicles in front of them.
Apart from causing unnecessary congestion, such actions create a serious safety hazard.
A moment of misjudgement, poor visibility or a distracted driver could easily have resulted in a chain collision, potentially causing injuries or even loss of life.
Fortunately, I and the other motorists were lucky on this occasion. But this should not be dismissed as an isolated incident.
There have been numerous instances over the years of outriders abruptly stopping traffic, creating near-accidents and putting ordinary road users at risk.
The convenience and speed of VIPs should never come at the expense of the safety of other motorists.
More importantly, the widespread use of outrider services reflects a culture of excessive privilege and further widens the disconnect between those in power and ordinary citizens, who have to endure traffic congestion, rising tolls and long daily commutes.
Many of our leaders may not fully appreciate the extent of these hardships because they rarely experience them firsthand.
With outriders clearing their path, they are insulated from the frustration faced by millions of Malaysians who spend hours stuck in traffic every day. Perhaps this is partly why our chronic traffic problems continue to receive inadequate and piecemeal solutions rather than the urgent systemic reforms they require.
The argument that outriders are essential to protect VIPs from potential threats is also unconvincing, particularly when ministers and other senior officials already have police security and protection.
Malaysia aspires to be a progressive, modern and developed nation. We should, therefore, reconsider practices that reinforce an unnecessary divide between leaders and the people they serve.
It is time to abolish VIP outrider services, except where there is a genuine and clearly demonstrated security necessity.
Our leaders should travel on the same roads, experience the same traffic and understand the same frustrations as the people they represent.
Frustrated Driver
Ipoh