THE general and state elections have come and gone. Hopefully, politicians will go back to servicing their constituencies and ministries.

They have wasted so much precious time fighting each other and wasting the people’s time. They caused rifts among friends and family.

Politicians, we elected you to serve us, not fight for the menteri besar or prime minister post.

I can’t understand the minds of politicians. On one hand, they say the economy is bad, with high debt and the people suffering, but on the other hand they still want to bring down the current government.

It should be easier to let the current government deal with the problems and give 100% support with creative ideas. The people can judge who is better, unless you think they lack intelligence.

We need more mature and pragmatic politicians.

They complain about corruption, ballooning federal debt and misuse of power, but the people are more worried about higher living costs, low retirement savings, and high interest rates.

What have politicians done? Piecemeals do not mean much. To combat corruption, don’t delay the tabling of the Political Funding Act and the Government Procurement Act. To control federal debt and spending, why delay the Fiscal Responsibility Act? It seems these acts are not urgent!

Politicians should spend more time in parliament discussing and finding solutions. Some are absent during sittings but can spend until the wee hours of the morning campaigning for two weeks non-stop. After that, we cannot even get an appointment to see them.

Both government and opposition representatives should come up with creative, workable and sustainable ideas and not be involved in shouting matches. As leaders, they should exhibit good examples and manners.

Or is it that they do not have the mental capacity to think of something beneficial for the people and the country. If so, they must make space for people who are able to do it.

Remember, politicians get pension for life after a few years of warming the seat in parliament, when civil servants have to serve their whole life before earning a pension.

The government will be launching several policies to advance Malaysia’s economic complexity. We will observe how these politicians perform. We are tired of U-turns.

By the way, please avoid political statements in policy papers. Ministers, be mindful when making statements that may have an effect on Bursa Malaysia and investors’ confidence.

We will see whether the Madani concept of a civilised society has been internalised or if it is just another slogan that will disappear in time.

We will evaluate the quality of their ideas and discussions as the august house is not a “pasar malam”. There is a job to be done, so do it efficiently and seriously.

We need leaders who will listen, learn and act with humility. – August 20, 2023.

* 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.