THE coming six-state election has, without doubt, confirmed the following:

1. 60 years of Barisan Nasional’s (BN) failures and wrongdoings have suddenly come to naught.

2. The proposal to create special schools for the absolute poor only confirms that BN had all the while neglected the gross imbalance in the country’s education system.

3. Dishing out goodies and promises to voters was once an act of corruption, this has been redefined. 

4. Manifestos mean nothing.

5. Both coalitions have conveniently forgotten the harsh criticisms levelled at one another previously, and these same parties are rubbing shoulders with each other today. 

Bottom line – the public is being made fools all over again by the leaders of both coalitions in the state elections. 

The unity government says the outcome of the state elections will not have a bearing on its position in the federal government, but it is clearly having a bout of the jitters.

Voters must carefully evaluate every aspect before casting their ballot in their constituency.

Giving a huge majority to either Perikatan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan-BN is nothing short of striking our own toes with a sledgehammer. 

Give room to create pockets of checks and balances. 

Consider giving an opportunity to candidates showing potential from parties like Parti Rakyat Malaysia and Parti Sosialis Malaysia.

The public must have a third voice in the state legislative assembly.

Many local issues hardly see solutions when the representative is a stooge of big parties.

They just dare not speak out as it will only show the weaknesses of their leaders and party.

Remember, choose a candidate who can really look into local problems and not pander to big names or parties. 

As the Madani government has repeatedly said, nothing changes at the federal level, so vote a third force if you have the option. 

It’s time to make both coalitions realise they must not fool the rakyat again.

Let’s not be serial victims.

Vote wisely! – August 6, 2023.

* Narinder Pal 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.