AYER KUNING — Before accusing the people of being “immature” for using satirical cartoons during the Ayer Kuning by-election campaign, the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, should reflect and recall all the promises he once made before becoming a government minister.
As a vocal activist in the past, Nga once stood on campaign stages, pledging sweeping reforms — from lowering the cost of living, restoring the value of the ringgit, to ensuring social justice for all segments of society. But today, after assuming power, his voice seems more preoccupied with defending the government’s image rather than listening to the heartbeat of the people who are increasingly burdened.
During the Ayer Kuning campaign, the people chose to express their frustration through cartoon posters depicting their daily struggles. Cartoons of Anwar Ibrahim and Loke Siew Fook highlighting issues such as rising taxes, subsidy removals, higher medical insurance costs, and the depreciating ringgit are not mere empty satire, but clear messages from a public fed up with unfulfilled promises.
As an independent media outlet and the voice of the people, Ottrangknews News stresses: the people are not puppets to be blamed for speaking out. Wasn’t it Nga Kor Ming and his colleagues who once used satire and creative visuals to criticise the previous government? The irony now is that when the people use the same method, they are labelled as “immature.”
Even more concerning is that Nga’s criticism appears to suppress the people’s right to express dissatisfaction in a democratic environment that should be celebrated, not silenced.
A reminder to all leaders: power is a trust, not an absolute right. Do not let the voices of the people — who have long been supporters — turn into an unstoppable wave of rejection.
The Ayer Kuning by-election is more than just a contest between parties; it is a mini-referendum on how much the people still believe in sweet promises that remain unfulfilled.
Ottrangknews News — The Independent Voice, The Pulse of the People