Last week I asked this question of all my readers. What I observed in response was that almost none of the readers who commented sought to answer the question I asked, but really chose the column and the response facility of the Malaysiakini platform to make some of their own arguments, one way or other.
The most coherent comment I received from a friend, and classmate at the Royal Military College (RMC), is that he thought most readers may not understand the core issue I was raising, or alluding to. Therefore, let me take the time in Part II to address the same set of issues in a more simple and what I hope is a more coherent way so that every reader will understand the core issues well enough.
Framing the context
Why is the 1Bangsa Malaysia question an important one? I attended a DAP-organised forum on reviewing the Athi Nahappan Report after 50 years, and all the implications of not having a vital grassroots democracy, as the third tier of governance in Malaysia. I have written my column on that subject even before and it can be read here .
At that forum also, one of the speakers asked one valid and rhetorical question: “whether rubbish collection needs a philosophy”, or using my framework, “Is rubbish collection a truly 1Bangsa issue for Malaysia?”
Is there a need of a philosophy for rubbish collection, or better still do we need a university that teaches the ‘how’s’ of rubbish collection? Do we then need to issue certificates to the drivers who drive our rubbish compactors, so they know and use them with complete knowledge of both the technology of the machines and the bio-science of the waste? I will let my readers answer the questions.
In my Part 1 column, I stated that there are three foundational questions we must all consider before we get into any policy-type initiative, and let me first refer to these and apply the seriousness of these questions for a simple issue like rubbish collection?
What is truth and can Man know such truths?
Will a certificate course on rubbish collection using compactors not first need to address the truths about the science of rubbish? Would it not first and foremost define the term ‘rubbish or waste’ before we get into the science of how it forms, and how to manage its collection?
Do we not need to know what should and should not go into the rubbish bin? For example, should waste paper products and plastics go into the rubbish bin? If not, why not? Should alkaline batteries of cars or rubber tyres go into these bins for collection by compactors? What about lithium batteries? If not, why not?
Then there is also the science of collection process? In the old days, and I saw this still being done in current Malang, Indonesia, the rubbish collector walks round with a two-wheel cart and physically offloads or collects all the rubbish. This was done in Malaya in my memory.
Today, we have become sophisticated and use the very expensive rubbish collection system and compactors to get rid of our rubbish. But, first we need to re-educate all local residents about what is and is not rubbish. Then we need to teach them to separate recyclables from those we cannot.
Then we need to design systems and processes for separating rubbish from waste and setting up systems and processes for collecting them. Some waste can be recycled and they should.
Who or what are custodians of the above truths about rubbish?
In the older days, and in simpler times, when we were all farmers and fishermen, we could simply dispose whatever we considered waste, in any way we wanted or preferred. Today and in modern times while living in cities with neighbours across our fences, what I do in my own space is no longer simply my business; it is also the concern of my community and also that of the local authority.
How then do we demonstrate the truths we know and understand?
Well for one, we need to aspire to be exemplary neighbours if we know the truth and choose to live them out. Then, our neighbours will know that we really and truly know the truths about rubbish collection and waste disposal. Therefore, in simple terms, it might include the following:
- Separate waste products into recyclable and non-recyclable ones,
- Put tins and cans separate from waste paper and plastics which can be recycled because they go different processes of recycling,
- Collect all wet waste, whether fruits or vegetables, except meats and skins, and one could compost them,
- Finally, all other wet or degrading waste with organic life must be placed in plastic bags, tied up to let them be collected every other day, as is the practice in Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) areas.
Is there such a thingy as 1Bangsa rubbish?
Let me ask a rhetorical question. If you found a dead rat in your house, do we, or should we put it into the rubbish bin? Now, while there is a science of biology and philosophy to this question, and the ultimate answers may be a cultural or philosophical one; but, we also need a common Malaysian one. Maybe to make this case more obvious to all, if one of our many cats dies, would we do the same?
While I let readers answer the above questions, it becomes obvious that ‘our cultural common space’ in Malaysia needs a common and unified answer, for, is that not what makes us Malaysian? Really? We can then call that our common unity spaces or community places.
If we started putting our dead cats or rats into the rubbish bins, will it not then interfere and change the science of organic rotting, and what will happen when the compactors are compacted and the juices and fluids are discharged from the process? Do you think we can stand or tolerate the smell of all such waste?
Then for sure, we will all know that there is “something rotten and smelly in the state of Denmark,” and we will know for sure that the local governance system in our community is not so common with values, attitudes, behaviours and beliefs. There is then no unity in the commons.
