I refer to the Malaysiakini report PM warns about religious extremism .

One would have thought that public frustration, growing anger and disenchantment with the Umno-dominated government would have facilitated a rethinking of public policies, a comprehensive postmortem on issues that has caused severe deterioration of race relations, positive engagement and dialogue and providing economic space and dignity to marginalised groups. One would have thought that those who are corrupt, incompetent and extremist - religious or political - in Umno or in BN would have been sacked. But no. We are being selective, as always.

Instead, we see a chorus of lies, blatant lies and statistics being publicised by both politicians and the cowed and controlled media. There are personal attacks on public figures, both independent or those linked to opposition groups. Despite the clear incompetence of senior politicians, they avoid reality and embark on a campaign to point fingers at others for their own failure to walk the talk!

We continue to hear crude political statements that challenge the dignity and intelligence of all right-thinking and peace-loving Malaysians who want fair and equitable management of the people’s grouses. It seems as if nothing has changed. Politicians foolishly think that the problem is solved by arresting the five who brought about calls to address the Indian community’s marginalisation.

Hindraf is an example of the nationwide awakening of discontented and disillusioned Indian Malaysians. They wanted a change and needed a proactive Indian leadership which they found in Hindraf.

Despite the near empty halls of component party meetings and programs, BN politicians have failed to be convinced that the time for cosmetic changes and double-talk is long gone. When long-serving politicians are booed off the stage by an angry group of politically-conscious people, the media blitz showing leaders giving out money or sweeping mud from the recent floods are certainly not going to sway votes or get any more support.

This is the new Malaysian reality. The same goes for political warlords and entrenched politicians who are embroiled in various controversies and corruption themselves but point fingers and direct harsh words at opposition and civil society leaders accusing them of ‘crimes’. It may have been fair if these allegations came from individuals of high moral fibre and integrity.

This is a sad irony. They make grand speeches and point fingers at others while thinking that their dark secrets, corrupt ways and criminal links are not public knowledge. They think the public are as gullible as before. The earlier they accept constructive criticisms the better. Remove the incompetent and those who cause problems in the country. Institute carefully planned programmes with time lines to address the core issues affecting marginalised groups. It may be a saving grace.

One is sadly wrong if one thinks that it is business as usual and that public perception can be swayed by spin masters, feel-good stories and controlled media. The country’s leaders should realise that the average person is not interested in the much publicised multi-billion ringgit corridors of economic development, the billion-ringgit projects and foreign investments front-paged among other daily ‘feel good stories’. Only those in the construction industry or others, who indirectly through proxies and politicians, are set to gain from the fallouts of such macro projects are very happy. They are watching and waiting with glee.

The average Malaysian faces price increases and a challenging quality of life in 2008. They are disturbed by the vulgarity of politicians and their obsession with accumulating wealth by unlawful means. They are crying out for justice for all Malaysians. They want a caring and accountable government to take control of events with a firm but gentle hand and to initiate consistent policies. They want love, kindness and for everyone to walk humbly with our God. Everything else is secondary as we face an unknown and challenging 2008.