CHOICES have been made and fingers stained as evidence of accountability under a recognised democratic system.
Congratulations to the candidates who successfully won the hearts of voters in the districts they represented. This support is an indication of trust and confidence in the candidates’ leadership. The people has provided an absolute mandate. Now it is the responsibility of the leaders (who has been declared the winners) to carry out their promises.
However, I would want to remind the contesting parties that the people are the primary concern. The wars have ended. No more verbal harassment and public humiliation. Enough is enough. It is necessary to express unity and unanimity in collective decision-making so that the people believe the decision is correct.
The next five years have officially begun. The people will be observant and the manifestos’ contents will be ingrained in their brains and memory, along with a check list.
The manifestos contain every detail. The people will use them as guides to judge the validity of the given promises. Is it merely a dream that will never materialise? Or, it may be dust in the clouds.
The planning has been outlined in the manifestos. The layouts and contents of the manifestos have also promised to solve difficulties faced by the voters.
The aims of the new Malaysian government should be good governance and integrity, political stability and economic progress.
The rights of the people must also be defended to ensure that the elected representatives have the full confidence of the people to undertake responsibilities.
To the parties that may have begun to lose their ability to generate new ideas, it is advisable for them to be more responsive to the circumstances of the electorate and provide relevant solutions to the issues and concerns of their constituents. You should be people-oriented leaders.
With the given resources, it is necessary to comprehend the will and wants of the people and to address them accordingly. These are true leaders, leaders that are capable and enthusiastic to overcome all challenges and obstacles.
So, to all elected leaders (the winners), do not destroy the dreams of the people. Demonstrate your accomplishment as favoured leaders by transparent, effective and dependable service delivery.
The most important is maintaining a positive and close rapport with your residents (who are your supporters) , as your performance as their leader will be constantly evaluated by them. And don’t forget, during your term as MP, you will require their (residents’) support. No argument about that.
Moreover, definitely, storms will occur at any time and any place. These are common in human existence. All leaders must confront the problems with composure and respond to them later.
However, do not lose hope. Remember to gain the confidence of your supporters, whose future and hopes depend on the promises you made. Remember, you must keep your promises.
Consequently, support from the people is also required to encourage the parties that will constitute the government in the future to steer the nation in a direction that is centred on the people, by the people, and for the people.
In this parliamentary democratic administrative structure, the people come first.
Finally, to all leaders, perform your duties. Honour your promises. People already have faith in you. Don’t destroy their expectations.
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** Dr Nur Aida Kipli (PhD) is a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
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The views expressed here are those of the analyst and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
