LETTER | While commending the Pakatan Harapan government on a job well done, so far, I am disappointed that they appear to have given scant regard for the protection of the rights of animals.

This matter is quite a serious problem in Malaysia, but it has hardly been mentioned by Harapan in the run-up to the general election.

Do they think that everyone cares only about a comfortable life and an accountable government? Are they aware that there are lots of people out there who sacrifice their time and money to protect abandoned and abused pets?

Granted that the former government had indicated very little inclination to assist in this area. It appears that the present government is equally apathetic to the issue.

Everyone has had their say on the sad state of human rights, which is commendable. But don’t animals have rights too? Don’t they deserve the same love and attention that humans crave? Aren’t the “orangutan”, tigers and other wildlife entitled to enjoy the habitat that God created for them?

A great man once said that a country is judged by the way it cares for its animals. I am sure we will not be scoring top marks in this area.

Sure, we want good, honest politicians who will be accountable to the people. But we also want them to be sensitive to all forms of abuse, regardless of whether they are inflicted on humans or animals.

We want politicians who will ensure that our children will inherit not just the architectural monuments of our progress but also the natural wonders of nature. Politicians who will ensure that our children will grow up with sensitivity to all life forms, not just human ones.

Is that too much to ask?