May 18 sitting is for helping people, not scoring political points
STEVE ROADS
My stomach churns whenever I read in the newspapers about the shenanigans being played out by members of parliament.
They continue to speak and act like they did when Malaysia was relatively crisis-free and did not have any pandemic to worry about.
They seem oblivious to the fact that over the last several months, Malaysians have been suffering much hardship.
Businesses have been badly hit, workers are out of jobs and healthcare workers have been risking their lives in hospitals caring for the sick and dying.
It seems to have escaped the attention of these MPs that the government under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been upfront with preventive and relief measures on a daily basis.
Although more needs to be done, much has already been achieved in providing care and assistance to those in need.
Many non-governmental organisations, other voluntary bodies and individuals have been chipping in to help out, dishing out food, necessities and money. Yet their efforts may not be enough. Many Malaysians still need help.
This is therefore the time for all Malaysians, on both sides of the political divide, to come together to help.
This is not the time to feather political nests, pursue narrow political agendas or engage in political intrigue.
It is time for everybody to pool energies, thoughts and actions for the common good. We cannot afford to dissipate our resources and in goodwill at this stage.
This is the time to put our differences aside and extend a hand to those in need, wherever they are, whoever they are.
That said, what do we see? Some politicians seeking political mileage.
I have not heard of one practical suggestion from the opposition about how to alleviate the people’s suffering. Instead, steps are afoot to score points in Parliament. There is an attempt to unseat the government.
Frankly, I do not care if it is a backdoor government, a front-door government, a side-door government or a government that came in through the roof.
At this time, Malaysians are only interested in a government that delivers.
This is not the time to introduce no-confidence or have-confidence motions, as some MPs are trying to do for the May 18 sitting of Parliament.
The sitting is to find new ways to help the people and not for scoring political points.
MPs should remember that they have taken an oath, among others, to discharge their duty to the people who voted them, the country as well as the constitution.
The oath does not say anything about owing their allegiance to their parties.
