By CC Pung
Justice of Peace , Tokoh Wartawan Sabah and Labuan, dose of philosophical
Dear SESB
HERE I am, sitting at the front door, trying to get some relief from the stifling heat inside.
You know what, there’s no power on a supposedly relaxing Tuesday. It hasn’t rained for weeks.
I’m counting on my ceiling fan.
Of course, at this distressing hour I recalled your chairman pontificating about SESB’s ‘commitment’ to improving supply consistency.
A wise man once told me that hope or promises are not strategy. We locals called it ‘angan angan’.
Over the years of power supply failings, SESB got by issuing statements telling the obvious.
I don’t think we ever had the privilege of hearing a electricity expert or a senior manager telling us workable plans of actions.
From the dark days of the 70s & 80s when many business premises had to acquire and place unsightly and costly generators at the premises in order to avoid closure, to today’s environment of better technology and new fuel sources, SESB’s display is one of arrogantly oblivious and cluelessness.
Of course you think I don’t know. I don’t because you don’t or can’t tell me much eventhough I pay your wages.
And watching your incompetence for 40+ years made me doubt if you’re a bunch of kids lost in a mountain of Lego blocks.
Dear SESB, from you I first learnt of SAIDI. (System Average Interruption Duration Index)
Do you still remember what it is, and what kind of improvements you promised?
Don’t promise and tell me your hopes.
Tell me what you plan to ensure that my ceiling fan can be switched on whenever I need do.
Do t tell me your debts and power theft because you have always been in charge but you just sat on your hands.
Just read your own slogan, and tell me how you’re going to make sure it’s not hollow.
Please. Otherwise you remain in my book as a microcosm of the failings and incorrigibility of governance in Sabah.
Start by feeling and take ownership of the shame.
As the sage Mencius said long ago: Man must know (acknowledge) shame, because shamelessness itself is shame.
Tidak tahu malu kah?
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Talantang.
