LOW-INCOME voters are fed up with repeated changes of the country’s administration, saying only a stable government can resolve their woes.

They want the new government to improve the economy, offer political stability and most importantly, to take care of the people’s welfare.

Malaysia has seen three prime ministers since the last general election. The Pakatan Harapan government fell after 22 months and was replaced by Perikatan Nasional.

Malaysia will go to the polls on November 19.

The Malaysian Insight spoke to several B40 voters on their take on GE15.

* Jerry Alfred Ringkai, 34, longhouse resident, Betong, Sarawak

“I was very poor when PH was in power. It got a little better when the PN and prime ministers Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob took power.

“The GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) presence in the post-PH government has made a difference. The GPS state government provided most of the welfare assistance, especially during the pandemic.”

He said the federal government has changed three timessince 2018.

“I predict a BN+GPS  coalition government will come into power. They will get the majority vote this time.

“I hope the constant changing of government and prime ministers will be a thing of the past.”

Jerry hopes the new federal government will be able to further improve the welfare of the people and improve the country’s economy.

* Singgah Mani, 54, longhouse resident, Lubok Antu, Sarawak

Farmer Singgah hopes for a better government and a good and capable prime minister to lead the country.

“We want welfare assistance maintained or improved because there are things we cannot get from our farms.”

She said GE15 should put an end to the political turmoil and greed for power.

“I want to see the country’s economy improved so more money could be allocated to developing rural areas of Sarawak.

“I wish the federal government would do better to improve the livelihoods of all people in the country, irrespective of where they live.

“Whether In the rural or urban areas, the government should ensure fair and equal development for all.”

* S. Sitra Devve, 57, Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur

Nasi lemak seller Sitra said there are many issues in her constituency that have yet to be resolved.

She said that what she wants is a reliable representative for her area.

“So far there are still many issues here that have not been resolved according to the wishes of the people.  

“As in Kampung Pandan, many decisions are in the favour of developers and political parties that act as mediators also often favour interested parties instead of the people.”

Sitra said that their former MP Rina Harun has never been on the ground since she won and now she has gone to contest in Sepang.  

“We just want a representative who can voice our problems in the Dewan Rakyat.”

* Parthiban Krishnan, 32, Desa Pandan, Kuala Lumpur

Partiban who works as an office boy is disappointed with his former representative Rina Harun.

“The residents of Desa Pandan are upset with our former representative.

“Many complaints have been made such as the roads not being paved properly and the management of traffic congestion near the school here is bad, but no action has been taken.

“We have also requested the construction of a library in this area but grouses were ignored.  The last time our flat was painted was in 2018 when Johari (Johari Abdul Ghani) was still MP.”

He wants hotlines for the people to channel their complaints to the government and their elected representatives.

* N. Puven, 39, Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur

Puven, who works as an e-hailing driver said he wants to see a stable government with educated and smart ministers who know how to run the country.

“I don’t want to see half-baked politicians. We want to see educated people.”

He said that his situation has not improved since 2018 because the government has changed three times.

“Since 2018 they (parties) have been fighting for position and not the people.

“I hope that after this election there will be a better government and a stable economy.

“We also want all the races to be taken care of by the government.”

* Ahmad Muzammil Borhan, 34, Johor Baru

Ahmad, a salesman, said that he wants the new government to choose ministers who have calibre and credibility, not because of seniority.

“This move can then lead to stability in politics and for the country’s economy. Not focusing on personal agenda but on the welfare of the people.”

He said that the focus must be on the country and it doesn’t necessarily mean that the ministers must be from the older generation.

“The cabinet must have new faces, new ideas. We don’t want to see old faces. We want young people to govern the country.”

* Nazariah Taib, 60, Johor Baru

Nazariah, a retiree, said the people don’t want to be fooled by the government with their empty and false promises.  

“We want a government that understands the needs of the people. Don’t just give false hope.

“The people also want good pay and a good life. It’s not fair to ask for our support and then don’t rectify the situation (economy).

“Be a better government than the previous administrations. We are voting for a better economy and political stability.”

She said that the government must continuously look at providing aid for the people, taking care of their needs  and ensuring no one is left behind.

* Norma Halim, 40, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

Norma, a general worker, said wants the government to immediately address cost of living issues.

“As a B40 member, I am deeply affected by the prices of goods..

“I have big family of 11 people so we have to ration.”

She said it is not easy taking care of her six schoolgoing children despite monthly welfare aid of RM600.

“I’m also entitled to the RM3,000 government aid yearly because I’m the only one working as my husband is sick.

“Without this aid we will suffer.” – November 8, 2022.