THE general election was three days ago and we still do not have a government. What happened two years ago is happening again. Statutory declaration is the ‘in thing’.

For your own vested interests, you decided to have an early general election, oblivious to the approaching monsoon season, sufferings of the people and upsetting pre-planned functions.

You promised a return to prosperity, harmony and good times and will offer practical solutions, ideas and realistic plans.

It seems the past 39 months were uninspiring times.

You want to save the country, not experiment any further with stability, thus promote confidence and in turn attract foreign investors to revitalise the economy.

Are you aware that Bursa dropped more than 20 points and ringgit fell 290 basis points on the morning of November 20, due to the hung parliament?

A day is a long time in politics and after three days we still do not have a functioning government.

Why are you guys taking so long to come to a decision? This reflects poorly on us to foreign investors.

I would have thought you guys have a competent leadership line-up long before November 19. Obviously, the views of the people are worthless.

What I do not understand is why a party with a small number of seats can ask for an extension when Istana Negara wanted leaders of political parties and coalitions with a large number of seats to form the next government and submit the name of their intended prime minister by 2pm yesterday.

I know many voters were disappointed with this event. It seems a minority is taking the lead and what happened to the two majority parties?

Interestingly, a member in the minority party’s coalition claims he was not aware of any negotiations.

Even the caretaker prime minister is not aware of certain things, even though he is supposed to be advising the king.

Are we in for another bout of instability in the not-too-distant future?

As humans we can forgive but it is hard to forget. Remember the words and things said during campaign period and I would not like to repeat them here.

The Prophet Muhammad said: “He who believes in Allah and the last day must either speak good or remain silent.”

It created enmities and hostilities among social media friends and wasted productive time.

Now, you guys sit and talk around the same table.

The last thing I heard was talk of a unity government. May I ask, do you all understand what unity government is all about?

Since the past four years have been uninspiring times, you guys have to hit the ground running and not run around like headless chickens, run into a brick wall or just round in circles.

You should run a tight ship, because you cannot afford to be in a situation where you run out of petrol.

Prove to us your calibre with high quality debates in parliament and not play truant from sittings.

Please do some research before debating bills, and give credible and meaningful answers to any questions.

You have a heavy duty to create a path towards stability and prosperity and, of course, social harmony.

Give due respect to the civil servants because they help execute policy decisions.

Politeness and transparency are lacking in the august house.

Cabinet decisions should be in sync. It seems the previous cabinet members were not informed on the decision to dissolve parliament.

Whoever is the new prime minister, we do not wish to see another bloated cabinet.

Please, try to fix the next general election date so that people can plan properly.

Before going to sleep, please reflect on your promises during the campaign period and the manifesto and check how many have yet to be fulfilled.

We don’t need leaders who are bigger or higher than the country but want to see statesmen coming out from the group.

We have given you the mandate and you are doing political horse-trading now, in which sadly we do not have a say.

Please get off your high horse and if you are not able to deliver do let us know in advance.

I am aware if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

What say you? – November 22, 2022.

* Saleh Mohammed 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.