Busy day: Reporters and photographers at work as the political drama unfolded in Melaka. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Having gone through a state election, several power tussles for the chief minister post and two general elections in the past five years, Melaka residents are calling for the unhealthy politicking to stop.
They said never-ending political upheavals in the state have left them jaded, while calling for greater focus on the people’s welfare.
Physiotherapist Aaron You said he felt numb when hearing news of a new chief minister.
“Seeing how the political situation here has yet to stop, on top of having a state and general election, has made me jaded.
“Hopefully the incoming chief minister can improve the medical infrastructure in the state, allowing those who need it to get the best possible services,” said the 26-year-old from Cheng in Melaka.
An ehailing driver who wanted to be known only as Joseph said political fatigue has set in.
“Each time a new chief minister comes in, and we’ve had two over the past five years, administrative work seems to start from scratch again.
“How will things get done if new people are coming in every now and then?” he said.
The 59-year-old said leaders should just focus on issues plaguing the rakyat.
“Melaka is a tourism destination, yet there are still many potholes on the roads.
“Look into these issues instead of tussling over who holds the highest post,” he added.
Housewife Anne James, 58, said the show has to go on regardless of who helms the post.
“The people should be prioritised. Whoever comes in, I hope they will do what’s best for the state,” she said, adding that she hopes the new chief minister would serve a full term.
“The incoming person should be someone professional and presentable to ensure Melaka is well represented both on the domestic and international stage.”
Freelance copywriter Sam Chong, 48, said it is tiring to continuously see political changes in the state.
“We’ve seen four different prime ministers since 2018, with Melaka now having its own episode.
“The power tussles should stop, or else people will lose confidence not only in the state administration but also the Federal Government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” said the father of three who lives in Tanjung Minyak.
He said the incoming chief minister should also be fair and just to all in the state, adding that the focus should be on developing the local economy.
“We need to move forward not only for ourselves but also for the younger generation,” he said.
Supervisor Shamsul Fais Ismail, 55, said he did not expect such political manoeuvring during the holy month of Ramadan.
“With a new chief minister coming in, what happens to the existing programmes that the outgoing one had started?
“Will they be scrapped or put on hold? We’re not sure what’s going to happen,” he said.
Shamsul, who comes from Paya Rumput, also cited political fatigue, adding that there should be no further changes in the state leadership, at least until the current term ends.
“If the new person who helms the post doesn’t perform, let the people decide who forms the next government through the ballot box,” he said.
