MP SPEAKS | Voters can emerge victorious in Johor polls

MP SPEAKS | Politicians may think they are clever but we, the rakyat, have an opportunity now to show them who are actually the smarter ones.

We have heard different analyses thrown around about the Johor state election: from it being a ploy of Umno, which feels it has sufficient support to flex its political muscles to the “court cluster” getting out of serving a jail term.

Maybe the above is true but the pertinent question to ask is how we, the rakyat, would respond to this ongoing charade?

Are we going to keep quiet or worse, believe politics is way beyond ourselves and just let whatever happen, happen?

Or could we vote out the greedy and the corrupt to show power remains, as it rightfully should, with the people?

We have 700,000 new voters and 30 percent of Johor’s 2.4 million voters are under the age of 21.

These young people, whose future is in limbo due to political instability and a sliding economy can and should ensure this election is a litmus test for politicians who think they can continue to do a “wayang kulit” on voters.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s BN is confident of expanding its hold on power and reducing Bersatu’s 11 seats, following a commendable showing in Melaka and Sarawak.

Where, in Umno’s manoeuvring for power, are concerns of the rakyat who are suffering from the consequences of Covid-19?

Would candidates, nominated this weekend, explore durable solutions to unemployment, loss of income and business, increasing suicide rates brought about by poverty, resolving the state's water crisis and inability to put food on the table, for example?

Well, if they won’t, then the voters should make them do so. It’s our time to ask questions, demand answers, hold politicians accountable and show them we cannot be taken for granted.

Together, we can ensure that the Johor election isn’t the drumbeat to the death of democracy, rule of law, transparency and good governance.

And certainly ensure it isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card for anyone either.

CHARLES SANTIAGO is Klang MP.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.