Whilst the Selangor Pakatan state government is too preoccupied with internal intrigues over whether the ouster of Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim is in the works, its elected and appointed office-bearers have clearly ignored daily livelihood issues in the state resulting with health problems worsening, in particular, the menace of dengue where Selangor is the prime hotspot.

Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam reported that as of July 5, 2014, there were 46,681 reported cases of dengue nationwide which claimed 87 lives, a soar of 246 percent and 222 percent compared to the same period last year. The epidemic is most serious in Selangor accounting for 90 percent of the 93 dengue hotpots identified nationwide.

The sacking of PKR deputy president Azmin Ali from the board of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) early this year has resulted in Selangor PKR leaders and members embroiled in fierce internal strife. This was followed by non-stop power struggles staged by disgruntled PKR members - all of whom completely ignored issues effecting the everyday well-being of Selangor residents.

The drama from the Selangor Pakatan government’s power struggles which continue to unfold daily leaves behind a pile of mess which Selangor residents must endure e.g. irregular waste disposal, clogged drains, pot-holed roads and streets, water shortages, cuts and rationing and other issues which the state government and local authorities have neglected.

All these daily concerns directly exacerbate mosquito breeding, residents being forced to live in an unhygienic environment leading to the dengue outbreak and Selangor goes into the records of being the champion state on dengue hotspots.

The Selangor Pakatan state government must immediately cease their internal battles, and focus on the wellbeing of the state, rather than crave for power at the expense of the  well-being of Selangor residents.

As Selangor is the most advanced and developed state in Malaysia, in addition to just infrastructure concerns, the Selangor state administration must enhance the quality of life of the rakyat. With the Pakatan state government wallowing in political unrest, besides a fall in foreign investment, the public’s quality of life will similarly tumble.

I urge the public to see through the realities caused by the Pakatan-helmed Selangor state government which neglects paying attention to the people’s well-being. If they are unable to care for the rakyat, they should resign and allow the rakyat to re-elect a new administration who places concern on the rakyat, rather than being fraught on infighting amidst speculation of who among them would be the next menteri besar.

DONALD LIM SENG CHAI is Selangor MCA State Liaison Committee deputy chairperson.