These days, you hardly see our politicians - especially from the ruling parties - going to the ground level to understand, learn and profit from the real life situations the ‘rakyat’ are facing or as the Germans would say the ‘sitz im leben’ (situations in life).

Even those who claim that they are spending hours on end being with the ‘rakyat’ are guilty of faults a plenty.

To begin with, those in office never fail to arrive at official events with a pompous display of power, all orchestrated well in advance. They appear to relish in the formalities and salutations that are abundantly dished out by those present to greet them.

The chauffeur-driven car, the special parking lot and the ceremonial welcome often lavishly splashed on these politicians only further puts a cocoon around them which prevents them from really appreciating and feeling the real issues, problems, concerns and needs of the voter.

Perhaps, it is worthy of these men and women in power to step out of their 'I am your real hero' mindset and instead walk with the commoner. Here are some genuine public relations steps that politicians should take in the wake of the impending election and its run-up.

Firstly, do away with all those loudly announced ceremonial arrivals. Instead, find opportunities to mingle with the ‘rakyat’ at ‘pasar malams’, wet markets, local coffee shops and the like to speak to them and hear them out.

Secondly, at a time like this, you can do without feedback from your hired hands on how the people feel. You are sure to get sugar-coated answers meant to keep the messenger in your good books. Go and get that reality check first hand.

Thirdly, learn how to work with and through the six feelings that mankind thrive on, namely the feelings of being considered important, recognition, respect, care, a sense of belonging and of being needed. Perhaps taking a crash course on this art of reaching out might be most useful. Contact this writer for leads on such crash courses.

As long as politicians disregard the age-old practices of past leaders who walked the streets, ate with commoners and spent time listening directly to their citizens, the opportunity to truly serve is surely adulterated. To argue that it is not possible to reach the people in today's environment is sheer arrogance.