Although Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob claims he has yet to get his “inspiration” to call for the next general election, many say GE15 is around the corner. Evidently, political leaders from all divides are clamouring to grab voters’ attention on various issues, including the inefficiencies and the inadequacies of the present government.
Citizens are torn apart with various claims and promises by aspiring political parties and leaders. However, informed citizens cannot be taken for a ride anymore. They are aware of the inefficiencies and lackadaisical attitudes of political leaders. It is time they exercise their due diligence and judgement to vote in a corrupt-free and responsible government.
Even former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad, who has lost his welcome, is reported to have said he did not mind becoming the next prime minister. People are sick and tired of age-old policies and promises that politicians often make to woo political support. It is now the right time for a revamp and change.
Ever since Mahathir took over the reins decades ago, the country has seen much progress but at the same time faced indomitable difficulties. Corruption is still rife. Government departments are still ineffective. So-called poverty alleviation programmes are not yielding the intended results.
Policies are not well implemented. The country now is in a chaotic position without a clear-cut direction. Neighbouring countries are showing much progress despite the onslaught of the pandemic. However, Malaysia is still saddled with economic and political uncertainties. The reason – lack of good governance and able leadership.
Times have changed. Gone are the days when only old politicians are seen as capable enough to run the country. There are now promising young leaders, like Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who have proven their mettle in handling crucial issues. The younger generation is more exposed now and is capable of making sound political judgements.
We need a revamp of the whole political scenario in this country. Race and religion-based ideas and ideology would not augur well for a multi-racial and religious society like Malaysia. Future politicians should be able to transcend class, creed and culture and view all as the right citizens of Malaysia. Race-based politics is the evil that has affected the country thus far. This issue has to be addressed urgently and what better avenue to do this than via the 15th general election (GE15).
The country’s future is now in the hands of wise and rightful thinking voters. They need to make the right decision to elect the right leaders who can see Malaysians as one family. Voters need to be critical and not succumb to petty “goodies” the politicians tempt them with. They need to see the larger picture and make the right decision so that the country progresses and regains its lost glory.
With all these problems staring us in our faces, it is time that voters make a wise decision to regain the country’s political stability. We have not even recovered from the colossal damage done by the 1MDB debacle and we are saddled with more problems now. All these are due to the lack of good governance and conscientious leaders.
All said and done, political leaders will not shy away from their old habits. They are already making their rounds trying to project that they care about the people and fish for support. We do not have much time. Countries like Indonesia and Thailand have superseded us in their efforts to regain their glories. Malaysia seems to have not learned the right lesson and needs a complete revamp. This is the only opportunity that people have in order to put Malaysia back on its track.
It is now or never.
V Chandrasekaran is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.