Recently I am very much bewildered with the role of cabinet ministers and leaders of political parties, and that of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Although these two bodies are totally different in terms of their roles and responsibilities, recently I am finding it very difficult to differentiate between them in public places.

A cabinet minister who is intended to be the part of the government’s executive body is carrying out some charity jobs on the street, taking group pictures and releasing contrary and sometimes imprudent press statements, while the citizens are being traumatised by the political, economic and social chaos.

Where are we heading to? Who are these ministers? They are members of the highest policy-making body tasked to form a prosperous nation. (Un)fortunately they have forgotten or neglected their duty and are executing the tasks that should be conducted by NGOs.

Ignorance has become the national disorder of the ministers. All they want is to be the champion of the people, but they can’t seem to understand that they would not be able to conquer the people’s hearts without making this country a better place to live.

First and foremost, we the public must be aware of the fact that a minister is obliged to serve the people and nation. So stop worshipping them and commemorating them to an extreme level. Next, understand their roles and compel them to perform their utmost responsibility which is to strive for the country’s growth.

Next, the ministers who represent the component parties of the ruling party, Barisan Nasional, should stop forming their own NGOs or non-profit trusts as the country is already flooded with them. It has become the fashion for these leaders to conduct welfare and merciful activities by creating compassionate grounds for them to approach people. Well, that is not the actual duty of a minister.

We don’t need ministers who give fish but teach the people on the effective techniques to fish. Gone are the days where the leaders cheat people by giving rice packets, food materials and some money to provide aid for the deprived community to evade from earning a bad reputation. Most importantly, we need ministers who provide solution for the problems and fabricate firm and stable systems for a longer socio-economic sustainability of a community.

Enough of introducing policies. Please prove to us the effectiveness of the planned actions by showing some positive changes in the nation. Work out something at least to gain our trust and not to exploit the taxpayers. Dear people, please understand the role of ministers, ministries and their departments. Don’t be overwhelmed by the given items or goods as you are entitled to deserve more.