I HAD a tingling sensation in the pit of my rectum last weekend when I read the news about Tengku Adnan Mansor, the Federal Territories’ minister better known as Ku Nan, claiming that he becomes emotional every time he enters a People’s Housing Project (PPR) estate.

“Every time I go to a PPR area, I cry. I cry and shake my head. I cannot take it when I see people of various races living under such conditions. I cannot take it, maybe you can.”

Apparently, Ku Nan cannot bear to see Malaysians living in such a squalid environment.

“Please, those of you who are not staying in low-cost homes, please go to these PPR houses. See for yourself the conditions under which our people have to live.”

As I read through the news, my stomach began to hurt a little. I guess Ku Nan’s statement made my digestive system pretty upset. And a couple of farts escaped. Based on the smell, it didn’t feel quite right.

I remember just about four month ago, in June 2017, Ku Nan was reported as saying that NGOs and city dwellers should not provide so much assistance to the homeless, in terms of money, food and clothing, adding that this would lead to the homeless being comfortable with their situation and increasingly lazy.

I wondered what made Ku Nan label the homeless as lazy and comfortable with their situation while he sympathises with those living in PPR flats who fail to take care of their own surroundings, contributing to vandalism, uncleanliness and facilities that do not function. Doesn’t that equate to laziness too?

For a minister who blames the city’s homeless for tarnishing the federal capital’s image, I wonder how genuine were the tears he had shed at the low cost flat residential area.

Seriously, how come the homeless people never made Ku Nan cry like those living in PPR flats?

If Ku Nan was really in fact touched and moved by the living conditions of those in the PPR flats, whom by the way have a roof over their heads, food on their tables and vehicles to roam around, should he not be hysterical and roll around on the ground, crying his eyes off upon witnessing the homeless who have nothing at all?

After all, the homeless are Malaysians too, you know?

But then again, how can Ku Nan possibly be touched by the homeless when he himself imposed a ban on soup kitchens in the city centre back in 2014?

Apparently, according to the news three years ago, he claimed he saw people arrive in big cars and leave in big cars when they are done begging, concluding there are parties exploiting the homeless issue.

Geez. I wonder how many PPR units has Ku Nan stepped into – if he did, I bet he would have seen units equipped with 40’ LED screens, air-conditioning sets in every rooms, tiled floors and the wonderful deco apart from the full renovations some of the units have gone through.

With some PPR tenants exploiting the facilities provided by the government to help the poor, I wonder what makes Ku Nan tick at the sight of the “unfortunate” PPR residents who are still doing much better, compared to the homeless?

But then again, a few residents exploiting the PPR flats doesn’t justify calls to demolish the low cost flats, does it? Sadly, a few pretentious beggars making money out of pretending to be homeless has caused Ku Nan to impose the ban for all homeless living within the 2km-radius of Lot 10 in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle.

Did Ku Nan shed any tears when he imposed the ban, I wonder?

Remembering Ku Nan’s invitation to other Malaysian citizens to visit the PPR flats, I wonder why he did not invite the neighbourhood big brothers living around Lot 10, those who own Pavilion, KL Plaza, Sg Wang Plaza, BB Plaza, Low Yat Plaza, Berjaya Times Square, KLCC, Marriot and Park Royal Hotel to come have a look at the living conditions of the homeless and shed a tear or two? Or better still work out a way to help them?

I guess shedding tears only comes easy when one is a skilful actor, or a politician – just saying.

At the thought of Ku Nan and his fake tears, I had no choice but to hit the restroom. 

I must say, unleashing that toxic foam inside the small cubicle was incredibly relieving – although the scent resembling a stagnant pond of sludge would definitely had brought tears to everyone seated inside the cafe.

Ku Nan included. – October 12, 2017.

* Fa Abdul is a passionate storyteller and a resident agitator of the idiots in society. Well-known for her straight-talking sarcasm and occasional foul mouth, she juggles between her work as a writer, producer and director.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.