LETTER | New leadership must match rakyat's maths

LETTER | The countdown for a new government has begun. The jostling for numbers will be the main undercurrent upon which surge the raging pandemic and the economic and social tribulations.

Who will get to form the government? Which party president will be coveted with the crown of premiership? Or will the interim prime minister be saddled to ride through the rest of the year or until such time that the Covid-19 infections will taper off to a safe R-naught reading in order for a general election to be held to resolve the impasse?

These are the questions that no one has affirmative answers to.

But if we are to see some light at the end of the tunnel, all our politicians need to comprehend the rakyat’s maths.

One, Malaysians are politically fatigued and not intrigued anymore. The impact of the prolonged and rising Covid-19 infections, deaths and the widespread fears; the economic failures that have murdered thriving businesses and sunk work opportunities; and the accompanying social and emotional duress have driven the rakyat to a point where they now do not trust our politicians.

Two, there are 20 political parties and two independent candidates from which hail the 220 MP-count. It is a foregone conclusion that any brokering of a deal to form a majority coalition would be the ultimate test of how committed our politicians are in putting nation and people above party and their personal agendas of fame, riches and power.

Three, the country is suffering from an acute lack of leadership. Who among the party presidents is walking tall? Who among the 220 MPs stands out as prime minister material? This is the toughest question because every political party and its members think only their president is the best.

Four, present a people’s manifesto which can be the political magnet that can hold the nation together to battle the pandemic, economic uncertainties and social chaos until we reach the 15th general election.

Do not just keep on telling us that you want to form a government to serve the people. Spell out what you will do precisely in the months ahead to take the people out of the mess largely contributed by destroying the electoral mandate given by the rakyat at the 14th general election.

Five, the rakyat seem resolved in believing that they will have to wait for the 15th general election to seal the ultimate fate and future of our politicians and their political parties.

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