ENOUGH of wasting energy and time on issues that have no benefit at all to the rakyat – this was the message from several Malaysians The Vibes spoke to recently.
Their hopes for this year are simple – a better economy, greater job prospects, lower prices of goods, reduction in corruption and equality for all Malaysians.
“Enough of Sheraton Move, Dubai Move or whatever move. The only move we want is a move for a better future for all Malaysians.
“It is tiring and frustrating to read about all this wasteful politicking when efforts can be focused on things that are more beneficial to the people,” said Aloysius Teoh, 43, a system analyst from Subang Jaya.
His sentiments were echoed by Roslan Abdul, a 38-year-old teacher from a private school in Petaling Jaya.
“People are still suffering. Since the Covid-19 pandemic till now, the economy has yet to see a rebound, and securing a good job is also difficult.
“Honestly, I have stopped reading all news portals and newspapers. I would rather play games on my phone while travelling to work than read the news.
“Why can’t all politicians come together and work for the common good of the people instead of constantly focusing on trying to overthrow each other?” he asked.
Bread and butter issues
For housewife, Veronica Thomas, 55, bread and butter issues are all that matter.
“Living in the Klang Valley is becoming increasingly difficult ... Everything is expensive and this is what politicians should be focusing on.
“For people like me, bread and butter issues are all that matter. We will support whoever can guarantee us a good life,” said the retired nurse from Desa Petaling.
Zulkifli Hamid, 48, said “Cukuplah, cukuplah ... sampai bila politik negara kita akan selesai (enough, enough ... when will our nation’s political issues ever end).”
The chief clerk said the political situation in the country has been unsettled for years and this has affected everyone in the country.
“The problem is our politicians are all focused on their political survival and this is at the expense of the rakyat.
“Instead of focusing on our needs and how to revive the national economy, they are obsessed with political numbers which to us is a waste of time and effort,” he said.
He said he and his wife from Shah Alam have been struggling since the Covid-19 pandemic and till today, their family’s daily survival is an uphill task.
Does anyone really care?
Psychiatrist Veronica Tan, 60, from Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur, said Malaysians were fighting their own battles for survival while politicians remained focused on non-issues.
“Does anyone really care about us? We hear so many promises from politicians, but for me and my family, nothing has changed.
“We are a nation blessed with so many resources and opportunities but are just throwing it down the drain. From what I read, our neighbouring countries are booming very fast, but here we are, fighting over who gets the bigger piece of cake,” she said.
E-hailing rider, Sarimah Yusoff, 33, said life has been a struggle for her and her family since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Things have yet to pick up since the pandemic and we are barely making ends meet. There is still plenty to be done for our national economy.
“For me and my family, we are still struggling to put food on the table. It is a boomerang effect ... if the economy is good, people spend more and in turn, we as delivery riders make more.
“But if the economy is poor, there is less spending which means people like me make less,” she said.
For Ir Anthony Raj, 58, from Klang, politicians are focusing too much on nonsensical issues and not tackling what matters to the people.
“Now, I read about a certain quarter harping about Tiong (Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing) eating pork in his office.
“For people like us, we don’t care what he ate and where he ate it. What matters to us is the economy improves and the cost of essentials is reduced.
“Politicians are rich, so they don’t feel the pinch, but for normal Malaysians, our monthly financial commitments are just getting heavier as things get more expensive,” he added. – The Vibes, January 6, 2024
