FIGHTING words are easy, either to rouse allies or rile foes. This was seen in Malaysia’s May 9 polls, which changed the nation’s government for the first time.

But GE14 is over. A cabinet has been sworn in and there is a country to run, albeit one allegedly in the red to the tune of RM1 trillion by a profligate government.

What Malaysia needs now is sober language and wisdom to get the country out of the red – an austerity in spending and words.

For Pakatan Harapan ministers, incendiary and fighting language that was great when they were campaigning as the opposition is definitely not kosher now that they are governing the country.

Yes, Malaysians want to know the actual economic situation left by the defeated Barisan Nasional administration, but the time for grandstanding is over.

Malaysians and foreign investors need to have the confidence that the PH team has the ideas and commitment to drag Malaysia out of this mess.

We already know who the culprits are. We have seen the bags of cash, jewellery, and designer handbag boxes carted away by the police. We have seen the swagger and arrogance that remains like the stench of a carcass.

We want action on this, not just more words; a watertight case for those who got the country in this sea of red ink. So let’s get that done.

For BN, it’s a time to reflect and move on to be the opposition now. You may want to crow over your achievements, but it sounds arrogant and hollow – the sulking shriek of a loser.

Go work to make a better Malaysia, both of you. You can twist and shout in the next general election, but your actions now are more important for the nation. – May 24, 2018.