Thank you prime minister

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 9 Nov 2020 5:00PM · 3 Comments

MOST people only read about how people have lost their jobs and are living in dire straits, unable to even put a decent meal on the table for their families.

I suppose that while reading this, the public will just shake their heads and say, “pity these people” without raising a finger to render any assistance.

Personally, I am thankful and grateful to God that I am still able to make a living and help others with what I am able to.

However, many of my close relatives were not so fortunate and many have lost their jobs and are living hand to mouth.

Until I spent some time speaking to them, I, too, was among the many who sit in the comfort of their living rooms criticising and condemning the government.

I never thought that the assistance rendered by the government would make such a huge difference in the lives of so many.

According to my relatives, from the time the Covid-19 pandemic hit earlier this year, they have been almost 100% relying on the support of the government to survive.

Apart from benefiting from the numerous food and essentials aid, they said the numerous cash handouts have also gone a long way in assisting their families.

I guess the reason why people like me continue slamming the government is because we are not directly affected and do not realise just how much the government is actually assisting the people.

Those in the lower-income groups and those seriously affected by the pandemic can surely attest that they and their families are alive and well today because of the assistance rendered by the government.

I never believed it till I actually spoke to those affected. That box of supplies and the RM300-RM500 handouts go a long way when you are fighting for survival.

Most of us remain unaware of the suffering the lower-income groups are going through and are under the impression that the government is doing nothing.

Well, I am not saying everyone is perfect in the administration, as there are bound to be rotten apples, but in hindsight, there are those trying their best.

I have many in my circle of relatives who continue to benefit from the assistance provided by the government and remain grateful for every meal they consume.

I personally have stopped aimlessly hitting out at the government and instead, try to do the little I can to help those in dire straits.

On behalf of my relatives, I would like to extend a personal thank you to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for his efforts. I know he is not having an easy time, but please do not give up the good fight. – November 9, 2020.

* Robin S. Selladorai reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.

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Comments

  • I am not much affected either. I know of many affected too. Yes, on one part Govt helping those in need is good. No one is disputing or condemn this.

    But how much is being siphoned out?
    How have these schemes being used as political tools that harm the nation for generations to come?

    There is a need to balance this.

    For sure priority to help the lower income group with absolute sincerity and honesty must come first.

    Posted 3 years ago by Raymond Low · Reply

  • Good for gratitude but any govt is responsible for its people and in this dire times, they have to use the people's money as well as borrowings to help out. The question is, as the people in trouble gets help, the people in power are enriching themselves. The package that cost the govt (actually the country and the people) RM500 is worth perhaps RM200-300. The difference go into the pocket of the people in power. Even at this time they are enriching themselves at the expense of the poor and needy. Shame on them. The latest budget shows a lack of transparency on programs supposedly designed to help the rakyat, and there is expected to be lots of leakages. All these "aid" will leave a very lasting debt for future generations to service. If we are just helping the poor genuinely, they should be getting a lot more. So we can't be ignorant and be grateful to the thief who takes other people's money and then steal part of it and distribute the rest, leaving the recipients and their future generations debts to service. Wake up Robin or are you trying to butter your bread?

    Posted 3 years ago by Mike Mok · Reply

  • We have become so accustomed to poorly performing politicians, to the ppoint where we are happy and thank them for barely carrying out their responsbilities. This is no different from banners I've seen at some schools congratulating students merely for turning up. We've lowered the bar so much that it is now lying on the ground.

    Posted 3 years ago by Burrd Lim · Reply