Second oldest profession

It has been some months since I last commented on the political development in the country. Just as the feelings of many in this country, people are just fed up and tired with the continuous bickering and mud slinging between these politicians. But then whether we like it or not, politicians are here to stay. The former USA president Ronald Reagan even termed it as the second oldest profession in the world. I am sure most people are aware what is the oldest profession.

We may think we can escape from having any contact or business with the politicians by avoiding from having any dealings with them in whichever way possible. The truth is - we can't. Policies that affected our life are still being made by those in power known as politicians. Like it or not, in certain circumstances we need to seek their assistance to help us to sort out some problems one way or another, either with the bureaucrats, local authorities or the garbage collectors!

Any businessmen who bumped into difficulties in getting their projects or licence approved will be seeking help from politicians whom they might or might not voted as their MP or assemblyman. Any parent with a straight As child will be seeking the politician's letter of recommendation or intervention to secure a good scholarship or a place in the top universities.

Everyone that seeks the politician assistance to sort out their problems will expect the politician to take their case as the most urgent and important even though there are hundreds of cases awaiting the politician to look into. It maybe one of the many cases for the politician but for the complainant, their problem is the only and most important and wanted it to be settled now and there.

This is where the multi-tasking politician that can proves his or her worth in trouble shooting and solving problems faced by his constituents will be gaining extra brownie points. There is no place for a politician to complaint of overloaded with other peoples problem. The politicians volunteered for it when they stood for election. Other people's problems are their problems. If one can't take it, then better leave the job. Someone else will be waiting to take over. There is just no dearth of people wanting to be elected as MPs and addressed as YBs or honourable so-an-so, disregarding whether they really have the passion, capabilities and commitment to be one.

I met with some politicians from both sides of the political divide recently. It is refreshing to meet up with elected officials that always think of ways to make the life of the ordinary folks better. Ideally, the priority is always the welfare of the people and betterment of the state rather than filling up their private coffers or war chest to fight their way up their party political hierarchy. But then, it happens sometimes every idealism and principles in a politician's mind has a price. Sooner or later the politician themselves might be enticed to shift or re-designed their ideals or principles in exchange for continuous political power or something else.

One of the YBs I spoke to is a first-term assemblyman. She is one of the newbie in her party and the last election catapulted her to the limelight of political life. When I met her that day, I noticed she looks very tired. It was shown all over her face. She has been pushing hard for her political idealism and welfare of her constituents for the past 16 months non-stop. She is very energetic and always touch base with the people. If she is able to continue and sustain her current service to the people until the next election, her opponent will have a tough time to dislodge her if she is again fielded to defend her seat.

I also dropped by to pay a courtesy visit to a senior politician whom I have not met for some time. His party is now part of the coalition that governs a premier state in this country and official protocol provides that his current status is second after the chief minister. He is still in his usual self. Unassuming but stern and serious in his political beliefs. I think he would be able to deliver much more if given more space and responsibilies to serve the people. But then his political colleagues must have other things in their mind when they gave him a highly respected position but without much executive power.

A first-term MP and deputy minister from a dominant party which I had known for more than a decade invited me to a think-thank group discussion on issues related to his newly assigned ministry. The small group comprising academicians, politicians, civil servants and businessmen had a very open and fruitful two-rounds discussion. The deputy minister was very receptive for ideas to improve the delivery system and key result areas in one of the department under the purview of his minstry. He has been an idealist and broad-minded person since the first time I known him during our involvement in a non-profit organization. His political future will depends on how much his party is prepared to have some radical policy changes in governing a multi-racial society. If his colleagues are still reluctant to embraced change, he can be deemed as going against the current and his survival in the political arena will be like walking on a tight rope.

Whatever the future lies ahead for the politicians above, the second oldest profession in the world need more that just a pretty face, good oratorical skills or deep-rooted idealism but always commited to firstly serve the people and develop the state with integrity, justice and fairness to all. - Loka