Dec 28 — It is always interesting to hear our elected leaders speak at length of how much they are trying to help the people. Of all the plans and policies that have made the life of the common man better. We have national statistics that show how we have almost eradicated poverty in Malaysia. A recent insightful article by Rama Ramanathan (http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sideviews/article/who-are-the-poor-in-malaysia-rama-ramanathan), based on the Economic Planning Unit and Department of Statistics Malaysia data, show that only 3.8 per cent of Malaysians in 2010 live below the Poverty Line. This “poverty line” is defined by our administration at RM 800 per month for a family of 5 (two adults and three children). The rate is higher for Sabah & Sarawak than the Peninsula.

We wonder which family of 5 in Malaysia can live on RM800 per month? Many politicians possibly spend more than that each day.

The fact that leaders and the administration can make such assumptions is of concern and shows that they are totally out of touch with the average Malaysian, especially the poor.  Many of us, including some of you who read this article, are frequently in touch with the poor. Either as part of our job as doctors or staff in the civil service or merely by keeping your eyes open in the community.  Allow us to share a few experiences from our frequent contact with our fellow Malaysians who are poor. 

We have been cycling in the early mornings on weekends in Ipoh city for many years. Apart from the fun and joy of cycling, we get to see the small back lanes and little known life on these streets. We have met many economic poor and the homeless during these cycling trips. We try to give money, usually RM30-RM50, to as many poor persons as we can. Their responses vary, but almost always, their gratitude and blessings enrich us in ways that money cannot buy.

One middle aged man was so shocked by the kindness from two total strangers that he broke down and cried. He was totally paralysed for many minutes by the unexpected kindness. We hope he received a little healing and comfort to his wounded heart. Another homeless man (whom we woke up because we did not want to leave money beside his sleeping form on the cement floor in case it got stolen) thought he was dreaming to see so much money. He then realised it was real and, as we cycled away, continued to hail heartily 'God bless you forever and always'. An old woman peddling a tricycle to collect recyclable stuff recognised us as having given money to her on previous occasions, but her gratitude to receive another gift was no less diminished but increased. Many times we get surprises. A middle aged man picking up recyclable material off the streets, adamantly refused our money, repeatedly saying he cannot accept money he has not earned for himself.  He was cheerful and not bitter. He demonstrated dignity and honour despite his economic poverty. This same scenario is repeated frequently at work in the hospital. We see many poor patients who are struggling to make ends meet every month. Single parents, with three children, who receive minimal support from the system. Poor families with disabled children who can barely survive despite some disability allowances. Any visit to rural Sabah and Sarawak or an Orang Asli village will show the stark poverty experienced by numerous fellow Malaysians.

Why write all this? No, it is not to brag about our generosity, but to help bring awareness to the ruling authorities as well as the economic rich that poverty is very common. Many people struggle to eke out a living, we just need to open our eyes to see them everywhere. It is not 3.8 per cent that our statistics so conveniently suggests but more in the region of 30 per cent of the population that is struggling. It is obvious that individuals who design our “poverty lines” are not poor. They travel around in their air-conditioned vehicles or are sitting in their offices pushing figures but have either not experienced the reality on the ground nor care about it.

Sadly our experiences show us that the economic poor are generally more grateful and some still manage to maintain their dignity and honour despite their hard lives. This is so different from some of our elected leaders who bicker about inconsequential issues, fight to get a piece of the pie for themselves and their families, and who will never reject a handout.

We are a rich country but our use of wealth and resources, especially those we entrust the government with, is poor. The nauseating construction of grandiose buildings, the extravagant wastage at self elevating events and the sheer magnitude of corruption astounds us. All wealth that could have been shared with our fellow poor Malaysians to uplift our country together.  Since our independence the gap between the rich and poor has widened dramatically. More than 60 per cent of the wealth of the country is in the hands of less than 30 per cent of the people and the bottom 30 per cent are in dire condition (not to mention the struggling middle class).  We are a rich country with many natural resources but the problem is sharing these with those who have no power, the poor. Our shame in Malaysia is that we have poverty and that it continues to exist.

The primary role of any government is to look after every segment of the population. Government policies should not favour or support the rich to get richer but work to support the entire community. The government must lead by example. It must put as its primary focus the uplifting of the bottom 30 per cent of the population.

As a start for 2014 can we suggest our elected leaders and senior administrative officers all live just above the poverty line. After all this is the standard they have created for Malaysians and the one they say we can live on. They are so fond of creating KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for everything, why not one for themselves that has meaning for many Malaysians, especially in this climate of price hikes that will hurt the poor even more. We strongly recommend that our elected leaders and senior administrative officers live on RM1000 (we are generous here) for the month of January 2014 for their entire family. Of course please suspend all your government subsidies that you are receiving (petrol & driver allowance, travelling & hotel allowance, etc). Try spending only RM1000 on your petrol, children’s books for school, clothes, daily food needs, house rental, etc. Apparently, according to the government, you can have a daily “healthy and balanced diet” for a family of five on this sum. Perhaps this real experience may bring some reality and insight.

When governments fail, the people emerge. We want to bless all our fellow Malaysians who have been sharing their wealth in small and big ways with our fellow people. Let us all not look to a failed administration but to each other for support to build our people and our nation. Let’s keep the eyes of our heart not on the acquisition of wealth and power, but on God and those in need around us.

Thank you.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.