I refer to the letter Minimum wage now!

I agree with the writer and it is heartening to read letters that voice the plight of the poor and unjustly treated. Concern for others is reason why we are compelled to write letters and advocate for change because ultimately the welfare of the state is related to the quality of its governance.

The reason why there are so many problems today not only in Malaysia but in other countries is because of lousy governance. Nature and accidents may wreak havoc on human societies but the worst culprits are corrupt and dishonest politicians. They are the reason for wars and poverty and why so many people suffer needlessly.

No one - however talented and capable - should be in power for such a long time that he becomes delusional and equates the country with himself. That is the problem especially with strong, delusional and egocentric leaders.

The call for change in Malaysia is not about politics but people's welfare.

Change is the agent that enables the people to improve their lot. There is no reason for any Malaysian to be forced to live in poverty given the wealth of the country. But because of the greed and corruption of the politicians and the dishonesty of those who do not obey the laws and conduct dishonest businesses, the country is being plundered and its taxpayers and citizens short-sold. Somebody has to say it.

Corruption and dishonesty happen everywhere so that is why you need a good government to ensure there is tough enforcement. You may legislate for minimum wages but if an errant employer bribes his way out of trouble you achieve nothing. This is the problem in other areas where bribery buys its way out of problems. Crime could be reduced in the country but for bribery as a way out of trouble.

But in a country where corruption is taken seriously, and not given mere lip-service, criminal conduct can be efficiently dealt with by honest law enforcers and a clean, efficient and trustworthy judiciary.

When Malaysians want change they are really asking for what they rightly deserve. They are not beggars and the government has no right to deprive the citizens of what is rightfully theirs. It is about time more Malaysians realise the role of politicians especially those in government and not allow them to behave as if they are above everyone else.

It is the law that is supreme not politicians. And it is only corruption that prevents the people from being able to obtain their rights through recourse to the law. When police and judges collude with politicians then you have a serious breakdown in law and order and ironically by the people supposed to uphold them and protect your citizens's rights.

Good and decent governance, and politicians who take their roles seriously are desperately needed. The days as politics as a route to riches must come to an end and only strong enforcement and a deep respect for the rule of law can ensure a country lives by the rule book.

Zaid Ibrahim has now revealed Umno has no appetite for reform. That should confirm what the people already know. Pakatan Rakyat must not digress into issues that are not a priority. When it is in power and the best people are at their desks, they will know what to do.

So it is good that Zaid Ibrahim has chosen to stay independent to provide the balance against the politicians and to pursue a course of goodness for the people in his fledgling foundation.

It is inevitable that Pakatan Rakyat will form government one day and hopefully with it the end of all that is rotten in the country because of the failure and refusal of those in power now to bring about reform.

There are some good people in Umno who want change but their ideas are scuttled and that is why even Ku Li himself admits the party is no longer as powerful as it used to be and only garner 30% of the seats of power. It no longer can claim to speak for the majority of Malaysians.

But let's not assume Pakatan Rakyat politicians are all angelic and have no dark motives. For this reason there have to be proper checks and balances to purge the system of all that is improper but Pakatan Rakyat appears the better choice to make changes happen and bring about much needed radical reforms that will benefit all Malaysians.

If Malaysians suffer hardships spare a thought for the foreign workers. For example, a worker from Burma has not only to pay the exorbitant fees to the Malaysian authorities and his or her agent to obtain a two-year permit but also a huge sum to the Burmese government.

In the end the worker has little to show and what keeps someone going is the hope that the next day may bring a new opportunity. It is a hope against hope, and reflects the desperateness in their own country, that they are prepared to rough it out in Malaysia.

My advice to those who want to do good for society is to enter politics and kick out the deadwood and crooks who masquerade as the people's representatives. Don't just get mad, get involved. But see politics as a means to an end and not the end itself. Politics is so intrusive in our lives these days that you can no longer push it aside.

And with the quality of the politicians in parliament anyone with a sound mind, a good heart, and a desire to serve the people ought to qualify and hopefully do better than many of the current crop of politicians. March 8 says it is possible!