The rakyat is watching apprehensively as each day's breaking news in the various media narrows the glimmer of hope and elation. It is, by any measure, very worrying as to which way we are heading as a nation. Witnessing the many recent confusing and sometimes high-drama events in this once beloved nation, it appears that winning our independence 50 years ago without spilling blood was not a permanent passport to peace, progress, goodwill and fulfillment after all.

When the honorable prime minister garnered the electorate's full support for taking over the mantle from his predecessor, his message of hope in fighting corruption and leading the nation to an even more equitable level of wealth-sharing uplifted every God-fearing, peace-loving person in the street. But today, with all the water guns blazing at street protests and a host of cries of fowl from various corners, it leaves the poor working rakyat wondering what the future holds.

The spiraling cost of living is already eating into the homes of most people. Not only are the poor suffering, even the middle-class group is at a breaking point as they find that their income cannot meet monthly payments anymore. Ask any housewife and they will tell you how they are compromising on the type and amount of fish, meat and vegetables to feed their families.

Our politicians are not bringing any relief and hope either as they continue to trade blows and statements that send shudders down the hushed conversations of the rakyat . Why are there so many threats, counter-threats, warnings and counter-challenges? Do those in power or those chasing after power not realise that the ordinary rakyat is facing the brunt of it all? With an impending toll and fuel hike, are we not wasting resources further with all these uncertainty and uncalled-for exchanges on our political turfs? Do we go into elections with a state of mind where trust, honour, goodwill and democracy is made to seem so fragile?

The ruling political party and its leaders must take responsibility for its inability to immediately turn the tables into a favourable equation. Likewise, all opposition leaders will have to hold themselves accountable if they fail to ensure that the humble rakyat is unhurt in the process. Perhaps leaders of the various faiths should hold mass prayers to seek divine intervention as the authorities and leaders from both sides of the divide are aggravating, not resolving issues and concerns.