Malaysia has changed governments several times. New faces, new coalitions, new promises. Every time it’s the same thing. This time will be different. This time, things will improve. This time, the system will be corrupt free. However, if you ask people on the ground, the answer is simple. Nothing much has changed.
Almost every major party has
been in power. When they were outside, they spoke strongly. They pointed out
corruption, unfairness, and a weak leadership. They said they would fix it.
Then, they got into power, and somehow, the same issues are still there. So,
people start asking. Why does corruption still feel selective? Why do some
cases move fast while others go quiet? Why do certain people always seem
protected, no matter who is in charge?
Source: https://simple.wikipedia.org
We have MACC. We have the attorney-general. They are supposed to protect the system. But when decisions are inconsistent or not clearly explained, people do not know what to believe anymore. It slowly becomes a feeling that the system depends on who you are, not what you did.
At the same time, many on the ground have become more realistic. People know corruption cannot disappear overnight. But what they expect is fairness and responsibility. If those in power benefit, then the people should also see clear improvements in their daily lives. That is where the frustration comes in when there is no visible return to the rakyat.
Politics is in the same rut. Race and religion. Every time things get difficult, these topics come back. It is easier to play with emotions than to solve real problems. Politicians look strong on social media but on the ground, people are still waiting for real change. It feels like more effort is put into the image than into showing results. Many are already talking about the next election instead of fixing today’s problems. So, we do “backdoor” strategies to gain power to do good? Absolute nonsense!
Look at daily life. Go buy groceries. Everything is more expensive. Go to a government hospital. You wait for hours. Talk to parents. They worry whether the education system is really preparing their children. Look at your own salary. It is not increasing the same way your expenses are. Try making a simple report to fix a road or drainage issue. It can take months. Follow up again and again, still no clear action. Even local councils sometimes seem unsure who to follow. Should they listen to the lawmaker from the ruling side or the MP from the opposition? In the end, nothing moves.
This is the real Malaysia.
We are told the economy is improving but for many people, every month feels tighter. You pay your bills, manage your commitments, and hope nothing unexpected happens. Savings are not growing. Planning for the future feels harder. Many on the ground are no longer thinking about progress. They are merely in survival mode.
Many Ministers need to step out more. Not stay in Putrajaya offices looking at the lake view or go to KL with police siren wailing! The real situation is not in reports or presentations. It is outside, on the ground.
And this is why people are frustrated. Because no matter who is in power, the same basic issues are not fixed. Education is still the same. The tax system still feels heavy on the same group of people. Public hospitals are still overcrowded. These are not new problems. Every government knows this. Also, people see tax money being used for things outside the country (like Gaza) while many local issues are left unresolved. When people here are struggling and asking for help, it raises questions about priorities. And they are told to tighten their belts, when they have none!
The opposition is not helping either. It talks, but it does not give confidence. It points out problems, but people are not sure it can do better. It is not united and that shows. When both sides are not strong, the rakyat is the one stuck in the middle. Elections today also feel different. It has become almost like a festival. People go out to vote, take pictures and share on social media. The deeper meaning of voting seems to be fading. Choices are often influenced by popularity or religion rather than real policies or long-term direction. This is not something small. It is something serious that the country needs to reflect on.
If every choice gives the same feeling, then the problem is not just the leaders. We keep changing governments but for the people on the ground, life still feels the same.
Why can’t they fix small things first – re-tar the roads; fix the potholes; give essentials to the poor; provide shelter; listen more and talk less; act more than shout about maruah or halal or bangsa – when you are hungry there is no more maruah to beg or to steal – you just do it and face the consequences.
Then do other more difficult
things – fix education, health, refugees, workers/maid levies (RM15,000 is out
of this world for M40); cost of living; corruption and many more.
But, no, every Minister is looking at pensions – as an MP, as a Minister and/or as an ADUN. If money is your motivation to be in politics, then be a Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk, not a rent-seeker with APs in hand. When can we stop this carousel? When the music dies?
Reference:
LETTER | We keep changing govts but nothing changes
for us, Thanesh Tamalmani, Malaysiakini, 29 April 2026
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