By Sarawakian
When Politicians decide, the Rakyat keep in line. This is the truth. Politicians, are they mostly the same after being in power for too long? This is a fallacy. They change. We have come full circle.
Many of us who went to the polls at different times in our lives would have voted mostly the same regardless. This we do as we somehow had strong faith in logos. We have been conditioned to think that logos would in the end decide how we would be treated in the world of Local Governments, State or Regional Governments and Federal Government.
To be brutally honest, I have seen in my lifetime three cycles. One when the Dacing ruled for many years. Another when chaos occurred during the pandemic by irresponsible politicians. I still blame an old Doctor for providing the wrong medicine and still think he is that great. Then now we have this one created in the name of unity with the Dacing refusing to disappear.
It just shows how fickle minded politicians are. Principles are now just rhetoric when it comes to convenience of execution. This is the real unity in diversity. To me, it sounds like Unity in Disparity. Today we see foes now friends. Friends have now become foes. The old saying that there are no permanent friends or foes in business and politics is truer than you realise.
The Local Government is still a nominated one. I remembered one of the promises to get supporters to vote for them is this very agenda. Bring back local elections. There is no reason why this cannot be done. I wonder what other excuses or reasons can come up again. The strange part is that the same people who wanted reform are delaying this from happening.
This is what I think. The roles of councilors and those in within the Local Government are actually an opportunity for those who are ambitious to have a potential call up for the next state elections. Otherwise, why would the jostling now come within the circle of councilors? To be honest, when a councilor does not perform, who is to be held responsible? Would it be the state government? The ADUN or state representative whose area encompasses the area of each councilor? I am sure the mayor has no say as even the mayor of Subang Jaya has a shorter term than a state representative.
Would a local election help improve? That is a question many like to use when challenging the need to. This is downright stupid. Of course, it would as the people and community would need to vote them in and be responsible for their votes.
This is the same with the State Election when you would have to vote in your next State Representative. We have come full circle. Nothing has changed. We were brought on a journey beginning from 2008 till now and we are back at square one. Just different clothes. Same attitudes as before.
Did Subang Jaya progress since 2008? Yes, it did for a while. Now? I am sure many would agree, and this is especially so for those who lived here since the late 1990s that Subang Jaya has a regressed in the quality of life.
I have seen many who have voted seem to hold steadfast following of their beloved politicians. They are quick to come to defense to any criticism though it may be something needing an honest check and review. Tantrums and emotional thoughts prevail. This is no different from the fervent blind support without question of the years before 2008.
Why did I keep mentioning 2008? This is because, this was the very year when Subang Jaya, for the first time saw a light with the winning of people’s power led by a Subang Jayan. This was the start of a wonderful journey for the community when the needs were more important than wants.
Perhaps it is time for a reset. Perhaps we would need to find another young hero. One who truly believes in Subang Jaya. We must be able to differentiate one who comes so often to show face and one who would do the job, even if it is unpopular, for the sake of the community.
It is time for us to really get those who would be in Uni 18 to come out and vote their choice. One who would resonate with their needs and not the wants, of the elders who seem pre – occupied with blind faith. The change is needed for Subang Jaya. Cukup lah as we have seen a product life cycle reached maturity and we are at a declining stage. We need new blood and a younger set. We cannot just rely on the rather unhurried nature of those who could make a difference and bargain to run for office. We need passionate and spirited Subang Jayans to step up. Age is no longer a reason not to be running for office. 2008 showed that for someone at 29 years old. The drive was evident after coming to office. Subang Jaya became a bastion of youthful drive.
When Politicians Decide, the Rakyat toes the line. When the Rakyat decides, the Politicians toe the line. Is this true? It depends as the statement above is a double-edged knife. I would rather have the rakyat continue to keep whoever in power in line instead, al the time. We must not have blind faith in them. Otherwise, the change we want would never happen.
