COMMENT Federal Territories Minister, Tengku Adnan Mansor has indeed set the stage for the Mat Rempit.

After chasing away the street people of Kuala Lumpur and asking Bersih supporters to go nude in the stadium last year, now the Umno secretary-general is picking up the social rejects and showcasing them to the world.

Instead of promoting the beautiful side of Malaysians, such as featuring former prime minister’s wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali learning violin in her old age, the cabinet minister is now 'gungho' to introduce the culture of Mat Rempit on Malaysian roads.

And, showcase to the world, he will, once his suggestion takes off, despite many people already condemning him and Umno for apparently condoning road bully culture ala Mat Rempit.

My advice to my fellow Malaysians is to allow the minister to make it a half-yearly event, if not a monthly one. There is really no point arguing till the cows come home.

Never mind about the price that Umno has to pay, but once in a while he comes up with an idea or two that would just get everyone so angry with him and the political party that he represents. Since when has Adnan, for example, came up with an idea that everyone praises?

For a minister in charge of the Federal Territories, I would have expected him to talk about keeping the city of Kuala Lumpur clean and potholes-less at all times. Or, announce that plans are under way to grow more trees in and around the federal capital.

Or, encourage local musicians to showcase their musical talents in specific locations within the city to boost the ambience of the city and attract tourists to enjoy a drink alfresco style like in cities such as Paris and Berlin.

If he cannot create such entertainment spots, perhaps, he should instruct his ministry to work in collaboration with entertainment companies to bring Kenny G to town.

Instead, what a shame to all Malaysians that he could only dream of hosting a Mat Rempit show on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

A lost generation

To many of us, the Mat Rempit represent a lost generation of Malay youths. They are like the hippies in the 1960s.

Without a sense of direction in life, they occupy their time with their peers, and at times, following the instincts of herd mentality, they mob the other motorists on the road, endangering both theirs and the lives of others.

At other times, some of them allegedly become road bullies. Ask any civilised Malaysian and see if my description of the Mat Rempit is unfair.

What is needful now is for these Mat Rempits to be given some lessons about life - how they should respect others and learn to earn some money with their hell-rides, but in a circus show.

In China and elsewhere, this is what they showcase to tourists. People pay tickets to watch them on the motorcycle circus act .

If Adnan is bankrupt of ideas, perhaps, it may be a better idea for him to flag off a group of his Mat Rempit on a tour around the world on motorcycles. At least, when they return after 80 days, they would have become more mature and useful persons that the country can look up to.

If Adnan does not have the budget for such a feat, perhaps, he should organise them into some do-gooders group, like the Harley-Bikers or the Vintage Car Owners who are often doing social work, chaperoning orphans and old folks to tourist destinations.

STEPHEN NG is an ordinary citizen with an avid interest in following political developments in the country since 2008.