PHOTO: Parti Keadilan Rakyat

BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ

If it was possible to do a survey among Malaysians, what most of them would like to see is politicians and public officials adopting a more down to earth approach in the governance of the people and country.

It is a blatant fact that government ministers and senior civil servants have created a yawning distance between themselves and the ordinary Malaysian thus building walls of separation instead of building bridges.

The more interesting specter that unfolds is the arrogance and snobbish attitude displayed by a large number of public officials who really thrive in the VIP and VVIP category making them seemingly untouchable or being above the law.

The kind of proud, uppity behaviour is really a display that does not sit down well with Malaysians who have either voted and elected or are paying taxes to pay the salaries and perks of these public officials.

The onus on public officials is to serve and not to be served. It is after all due to every Malaysian that these officials are in public service. Consider that it is really a privilege and an honour to serve the rakyat and not for the people to serve public officials.

Let’s get the system in place right. There should be more displays of compassion, patience and tolerance by serving public officials especially during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic where every Malaysian is affected and suffering badly.

It is high time to get rid of behaviour that is not cordial or conducive and the leaders of this country must set an example for the people to follow and only through this way can public officials receive honour because before honour comes humility.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher