Development or principles

This letter to the editor appeared in the Star 31 January 2008.

Development not a reward but a duty

TO ALL aspiring candidates in the coming general election, I wish you would not pretend to have the people’s problem at heart and at the same time issue “threats” that they will not see any development in their area should they give their votes to the “other side.”

It is shocking to read such statements from politicians, as in this day and age the majority of the people are more aware of their rights and the duties expected from an elected representative.

In any election, there will always be a winner and a loser. Just because the candidate from the ruling party loses doesn’t mean development for the area comes to a halt.

MPs and State Assemblymen are chosen by the people to “serve the people” and not the other way round.

Bringing development to the people irrespective of which way they voted is a responsibility of the Government not a reward.

MICHAEL NG,
Seremban.

I doubt the ruling party agrees on the writer's opinion. The vote for development mantra has been a part of the election process in Malaysia since independence from the British. This exchange might also occur in other countries but it is blatantly obvious here.

The hardest hit would be those in the rural areas where development aid however meagre is heaven sent. They are the people who need the basics to survive. But hats off to them when they vote the opposition as it does show that they are willing to sacrifice that immediate gain. Of course, they will suffer in a way but there is a sweet after taste in the knowledge that you have managed to dent the ruling party juggernaut.