By Mahathir Mohd Rais
The change in government has introduced various measures that have significantly impacted the rakyat, especially in urban areas.
This impact is particularly felt by some residents of Public Housing Projects (PPR) and Public Housing (PA).
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has implemented strict measures against tenants who fail to pay rent, including water supply cut-off operations and house seizures.
These measures, supported by PH-BN coalition members of parliament, have become a subject of disappointment and anger among the rakyat.
The affected rakyat feel betrayed by their representatives, viewing the house seizure actions inhumane. This raises significant questions about empathy and social justice in debt management and social obligations towards the rakyat.
The approach taken by the PH-BN government highlights the need for a balance between debt management and social responsibilities.
The harsh actions taken without considering the rakyat’s welfare only worsen the socio-economic situation and lead to social instability.
Amid this deep economic and social crisis, the rakyat questions how a government should act.
Measures like house seizures and water supply cut-offs, implemented while the rakyat struggled to make ends meet in an uncertain economy, are being questioned for appropriateness.
The rakyat needs support, not punishment, during these challenging times.
The emerging criticism calls for a more compassionate and meaningful approach.
Support measures and social assistance programs for the B40 group need to be strengthened, not just to alleviate financial burdens but also to provide hope and motivation for them to overcome these hardships.
The imbalance between the rakyat’s needs and the government’s actions raises serious questions about the priorities and responsibilities of governance.
The government needs to listen and respond with discretion to the voices of the struggling rakyat.
In this context, many now see Perikatan Nasional as a new hope.
The era of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership as Prime Minister is remembered as a time when the rakyat’s welfare was prioritized, with the fortunes of all rakyat, regardless of religion or race, being cared for.
The comparison between this era and the PH-BN administration has raised awareness among the rakyat about the importance of not being deceived by political rhetoric.
Facing these economic challenges, the government’s response should reflect a deep understanding of the rakyat’s situation and strive to build trust and hope among those most affected.
The balance between debt management and social obligations towards the rakyat should be the primary focus, ensuring that every step taken is economically effective but also fair and empathetic towards the rakyat’s lives.
About the author: Mahathir Mohd Rais is the Bersatu Federal Territories information chief. This is an opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this publication.
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