Accidents do happen. When there are pure accidents that cannot
be prevented such accidents are excusable and due care and
preventions can be taken as normal. This much is easy to
understand. There is no quarrel with such simple fact.
However, when there is a serious accident causing loss of lives or
destruction of property, there will be outcry and concern. Citizens
are entitled to express their concern and ask for inquiry into loss
of lives and public safety.
In the event of Hotel New World, this is one case where lives were
lost and public inquiry was held with solemn promises by the
ministers to make good with measures to prevent similar
occurrence.
Is that very difficult for the minister to understand that when
there is another major accident of the same nature, the public will
naturally be outraged and concerned.
The question that will be asked will include whether the past
experience with Hotel New World collapse has been learned and if so
whether all the public safety over building structural design is
now adequately addressed.
If the minister takes it too lightly, there will be repeat of the
same accidents. What do you say? Is there any over-simplification
in asking for accountability and transparency and good corrporate
governance arising out of Nicol accident from our world-class
minister. If we are not fond of accountability or transparency
because pride in man is very strong and it will be too demeaning,
how about break the iron rice bowl once and show that new
leadership is different and proferssional and will serve the people
at large and not to cover up the minister's major shortcoming and
mistake.
