I grow weary of failed promises… Of housing for the poor. Of a social welfare system that would improve the quality of life. Of protecting the dignity of the underprivileged.
Yet human rights and societal values are for the middle class and elites, while the poor take scraps. So government promises are meant to be broken, and NGOs continue scavenging for funds like rats. Advocacy for rights are left in the cesspool of apathy, much to the delight of a scandal-obsessed society.
Welcome to Malaysia.
Homeless in Brickfields
Cycle of Poverty and Stigma
Despite the increasing mainstream propaganda that the government has met the needs of the people, the streets of Kuala Lumpur tell a different story.
I have been in relief and social work for more than 20 years, primarily focusing on marginalized communities in Southeast Asia.
There’s an obvious devolution to societal priorities. Sadly in this equation, vulnerable communities are still struggling on a daily basis, and often deprived of their fundamental rights.
