Demi rakyat katanya…

"Demikian rakyat" - a phrase that can be considered sacred, easily mentioned and sold in politics. We hear it during elections, in campaigns, when the government maintains something, or when it is criticized. Even dissenters ride on it. This is all... it's called, "demikian rakyat". However, as we hear it more often, we must question: is the rakyat being protected or being used for political gain?

The real rakyat does not demand much. They want sufficient pay to support their family. Prices of goods that make every visit to the market require twice-checking. They want their children to get good jobs. They want affordable homes, good schools, health services without extra cost, and public transportation that is accessible.

They also want a government that seriously handles corruption and misuse of power. These are things that may sound common, but these are the everyday lives of the rakyat. Politics needs to talk about people's issues. The government must be reprimanded when it fails. Dissenters, meanwhile, need to offer better alternatives. But there is a difference between raising people's issues and using people's issues.

If living expenses become the issue, what is the solution? If pay is not enough, what will be done? If children have difficulty finding jobs, how can their chances be improved? If houses become more expensive, how will the middle class have their own homes? These questions may not be as catchy political slogans, but these are the questions determining the life of the rakyat.

Politics sometimes takes the easier path. Complex issues are given simple answers. Rakyat's anger is given targets. Grievances are shifted to others. Criticisms are placed on others. Then come the promises that if power changes hands, everything will change. It may be true, but the rakyat have the right to ask: how? They are not just interested in who is to blame.

They want to know what will be done. Resolving people's issues requires work. Using their anger is just as easy as using slogans. We also need to see how religious, ethnic, and national identity issues are used in politics. The concerns of the rakyat cannot be taken lightly, but neither should every political difference be depicted as a threat to religion, ethnicity, or the future of the nation.

Likewise with anger towards the government. Criticism is necessary for democracy, but not every issue should be used for gathering anger without offering a way out. The life of the rakyat still needs to be paid for. Rent for a house still needs to be found. Children still need to find jobs. Treatment still needs to be paid for. The same issues continue to repeat.

The price of goods must still be paid. The rent for a house must still be found. Children still need to find jobs. Medical treatment still needs to be paid for. This is where politics should return to walking. Not all things need to be turned into political wars. There is time for debate. There is time for criticism. But there is also time for working and solving problems.

The word "rakyat" is too easy and is often used by political elites and politicians. The rakyat want. The rakyat reject. The rakyat are tired. But which rakyat? Malaysia does not have one voice. Some support the government. Some oppose it. Some are not particularly interested in politics. There are also those who change their minds when circumstances change.

This is not a problem. It is democracy. The rakyat can support today and reject tomorrow. They do not owe loyalty to any party. That is why, when we hear something called "demikian rakyat", we should ask more. Not just a catchy phrase. It must be felt, because people do not live with slogans. They live with paychecks, grocery bills, house payments, and car payments.

They also ask about the future of their children. This is where political promises are tested. Not in campaigns. Not on posters. Not on social media. Politics cannot be separated from emotions. People are angry, disappointed, afraid, and hopeful. What needs to be questioned is when emotions are used as a tool, but once support is gained, the same problem repeats.

People's issues require work, not just simple answers. So, when we hear "demikian rakyat", it should not just be a phrase easily said. It must be felt, because people do not live with slogans. They live with their paychecks, grocery bills, house payments, and car payments. They also ask one question: is our life really changing?

The author is the substitute writer of the Malay Language News Desk FMT. This article is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent FMT.