IT really doesn’t have to be this difficult. And the police need not go to extra lengths to make things even more challenging than they already are.

I just finished giving my statement at IPD Klang Utara together with Mugheelan Sellathoray for allegedly not complying with the movement-control order (MCO).

This is ludicrous. 

The new circular for lawmakers doesn’t mention that we need to get permission from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) but my office always did. 

We admit that instead of 200 people, some 600 turned up last Sunday but isn’t this an indication of how bad the situation is on the ground?

Despite the big turnout, our volunteers managed to do excellent crowd control and also followed protocol – body temperature was checked, sanitisers were made available and there were markings on the floor to indicate the 1m social distancing. They also wore masks and gloves.

And as usual, we had JKM’s permission to distribute vegetables and groceries on April 27 but we had to do it a day before as the farm produce from Cameron Highlands were sent earlier than expected. 

This was effectively communicated to JKM, who said they can’t make Rela available at such short notice and was informed that our volunteers would be there. 

When the police arrived, while we were distributing food provisions, they said we needed a police permit, an argument that was refuted even by the JKM.

But after my session at the police headquarters was over, I realised that there is a clash of ego between JKM and the police, with the boys in blue uniforms insisting that a police permit is essential.

We have distributed groceries and vegetables to 10,500 families since the start of the MCO in March.

And you know what, we are now told that even vegetables cannot be distributed. I am stumped. 

Just like myself, many members of Parliament have been doing an excellent job distributing food provisions to those who desperately need them, and so have civil society groups. 

The police and other authorities should be welcoming these relentless efforts, which are crucial in ensuring people are fed, babies have milk and no one goes to bed hungry. 

But unfortunately, the authorities seem to be throwing obstacles our way and it makes me wonder why. 

Could it be because the government has been taking a whack from the public for its inefficiency in ensuring adequate food provisions reach the poor in time?

Is this high-handedness by the police really necessary? Shouldn’t they be helping us instead? 

Anyway, I hope the police will sit together with JKM to drum out a proper protocol, as opposed to flexing their muscles unnecessarily. 

But more than that, I wish the people in power and authority would just let us get on with our work in serving the people that voted for us. – April 28, 2020.

* Charles Santiago is DAP’s Klang MP.

* 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.