Be doers, not mere talkers

As the 13th General Election continues to loom around the corner, politicians from both sides of the political divide are sure to be busy getting the attention of the voters. In such contest and just like anywhere else, everyone is confident of victory that they will capture the required votes.

However, the sad part is, many vote according to their own whim and fancy or are heavily influenced by the propaganda forced down their throats through the influence of party agents, the media, their relatives and whoever closest to them. Once these candidates are voted in, it will be in the next election you can get to see their face. Many like to wear the YB badge but are not willing to soil their hands or sit side by side with the farmers and general labourers sipping tea by the road-side stall. If at all the YB turns up it's usually with all the pomp and pageantry scaring the kampung folks out of their wits. It's very rare to see one turning up as an ordinary folk with that genuine touch.

There is no difference in this small town. I am 50+ and had voted since I was eligible. It may not be over exagerating to say that it's easier to see the king than to see the wakil rakyat. There is no difference whether he is from the ruling pary or the opposition. If for 4 or 5 years we can hardly see the wakil rakyat's face, then what is he for and who is he representing. Wakil rakyat should be easily available, approachable and knowledgeable enough to articulate when the need arises.

Sometimes voters are given no choice but to go ahead and vote picking the best of the worst as listed. Voters may be 'forced' to vote for the person who is well-known, popular and a workaholic but unfortunately could be representing the 'wrong' party. Spoilt votes could be the result of voters disillusion with the choice of candidates presented or the parties they represent.

Let's pray that this time around we truly have 'winnable' candidates who can fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the rakyat. Political parties from both side of the political divide should analyse and scrutinise very thoroughly their aspiring candidates who would not be a mockery of the party they represent. Voters are looking for candidates who are knowledgeable, sincere, honest, trustworthy and can be counted upon to deliver for their constituencies and the nation. Many are sick of the yes-men and those there to make up the number and to warm the chairs. Voters do not need their future wakil rakyat who hardly open their mouths or tend to doze off during assembly sittings. If the needs arise,they should be seen talking and performing.

Jeremiah Tan