By Remy Majangkim
KOTA KINABALU: Consider honestly: Are you prepared for the demands and temptations of public service? Many have taken this path—some succeeded, some learnt hard lessons, and others faltered. This journey tests both character and resolve.
Regardless of background, all politicians start from the same starting point. The role demands mastery of complex laws, constitutions, and legislative processes, making it a challenging system to enter and navigate. You may have been a good orator and convinced the trust of your community and won their votes, but entering Dewan Undangan Negeri presents unexpected challenges. High ideals often clash with political realities and shifting alliances.
Elected representatives are making around the range of the M40, T15, and T20 scales per month, which is between RM 5000 and RM 26000. Naturally, everyone is eyeing higher posts; those who slip away will look into political appointments in one or two posts in the 200-plus state-owned GLC companies. This pays lucratively, at some estimate around RM 30K per month, plus a driver and company vehicle.
In the haste of pursuing wealth through the State, many ignored the very people who voted them into office. In many instances, their constituency was run on autopilot by their political aides. Their elected representatives spend less time monitoring on the ground and are replaced with meeting engagements. This inadvertently detaches the umbilical cord of the relationship between people and their representatives.
Therefore, the vicious cycle continues, trust has been betrayed, stagnant development occurs, and they see their representatives embroiled in the biggest scandal in Sabah. In the blink of an eye, the 5-year term comes to an end; on that account, the same politician asks for another term in office. On every expiry date, power means nothing if it disrespects the hands that raised you.