LETTER | I’m 36, a middle-class Indian living in Malaysia, blessed with two children, a PhD candidate, and I also work.

I mean, I work hard like most Malaysians do, but I long for a government that truly serves the people, addresses our concerns, and leads with integrity. Basically, I just want a decent life for myself and maybe a better one for the next generation.

I used to be so excited. I remember back in 2018 when Pakatan Harapan swept into power. We all thought, “Finally! Change is here!”

Remember all the promises? Fighting corruption and making life easier for the rakyat? But honestly, looking at it now, it’s been a huge disappointment because it feels like the old problems are still here, some got even worse.

The cost of living keeps climbing, but salaries don’t make a huge difference. It’s frustrating when you feel like you’re working harder and harder, but you are getting nowhere.

They called themselves “Harapan” (Hope), but honestly, there is “no Harapan” at all. It’s not just the economy. It’s the feeling that no one in power really understands what it’s like to be a regular Malaysian.

Do they know how hard it is to make ends meet? Do they worry about the existing education system for their children? I doubt it.

We Malaysians, we’re not asking for the moon. We want a government that listens, that understands our struggles, and that actually does something about them. We’re tired of empty promises.

Whenever I hear the word “politics”, honestly, it feels like a circus sometimes. So, what lies ahead in the future? We, Malaysians, surely look forward to a “New Malaysia”.

Recently, I heard that Perikatan Nasional and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) are stepping up with their “National Consensus”. MIPP, especially, is talking about helping the Indian community through a mission called “Reset 2027”, focusing on education, employment, economy, and empowerment.

Apparently, it’s all about helping the Indian community, and I’m thinking… okay, someone finally remembers we’re here. The Indian community, like many others in Malaysia, faces unique challenges. If MIPP is serious about tackling these issues, then I’m willing to hear them out.

Education, jobs, a stronger economy, I mean, these are the aspects that would benefit all Malaysians, regardless of race. If the opposition party could prove that they are different and ready to restore our faith in politics in our country, then the stage is all theirs.

But if they don’t, I fear that our children will lose all hope towards the future.

What do I actually want from the new government?

1. Focus on the basics: Forget the big, fancy projects for a while. Just focus on making life more affordable. Control the prices of essential goods, create more jobs, and help small businesses thrive. That’s what will make a real difference to everyday Malaysians.

2. Stop the corruption: We are so tired of hearing about politicians lining their own pockets. We need real accountability. If someone is caught stealing from the people, they need to face the consequences, regardless of who they are.

3. Unity, not division: Malaysia is a beautiful country because of its diversity. We need leaders who will bring us together, not divide us along racial or religious lines. We need to focus and treat everyone fairly, no matter who they are.

4. Listen to us: Stop talking at us and start listening to us. Engage with regular people, understand our struggles, and make policies that actually address our needs.

The upcoming political landscape from the opposition party presents an opportunity to reset Malaysia's trajectory. As an observer, I am hopeful that the next government will embrace a “New national consensus” that acknowledges the contributions of all communities, addresses systemic inequalities, and paves the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all Malaysians.

What we wish to see is a real plan. Not just words, but concrete steps. Show us how you’re going to create jobs, how you’re going to make education more accessible, how you’re going to help small businesses thrive. Show us how you’re going to fight corruption and make the government more transparent.

It is time for transformative change, a change that is not just about power, but about building a better nation for generations to come. This requires not only a change in government but a change in mindset and, most importantly, a genuine desire to build a Malaysia where every citizen feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.

We are not naive. We know change takes time. But we wish to see progress. We need to feel like our voices are being heard. We need to believe that our government is working for us, not against us.

So, to whoever forms the next government, I’m pleading to not let us down again. Give us a reason to believe in Malaysia again. I believe that I’m not asking for miracles. I’m just asking for a government that actually cares about its people and make Malaysia a better place for everyone.

Terima kasih.

Thank you.

Nandri vanakam.

Xie xie.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.