Albeit being a non-political commentator, I had the sudden urge to write this piece after a 45-minute drive and heart-to-heart chat with a Grab driver, whose views on our nation’s current political climate, put into simple terms, hit the nail on the head indeed.

Hassan is a father of a boy and three girls, all between the ages of 10 and 17 years of age.

His son is pending acceptance into a matriculation program in a university in Terengganu, while his daughters are still in school.

He starts his Grab driver duties at 6 am and calls it a day at 7 pm. He earns about RM150 to RM200 per day.

His wife helps with the family income with her job at a factory in Shah Alam.

Hassan had a thin stead frame. His hair was neatly combed, showing off a receding hairline, especially at the top front of the scalp. His almond-shaped eyes with a rich shade of brown conveyed wisdom and experience.

He sported a thin moustache and a goatee with streaks of silver hair peeking through. His tanned complexion shone under the piercing afternoon sun that raged through his Perodua sedan windscreen.

Once warmed up, our conversation became deep and extremely touching and was also an eye-opener for me.

Hassan’s words were, “Saya cuma hidup pastikan anak saya dapat hidup selesa besok dan dapat pastikan mereka belajar rajin.” (I only live to ensure that my children have a bright and comfortable future and that they study well.)

Hassan is fed up with the current political climate. He frowns upon the Malay divide, racial tensions and extreme use of religion by certain parties, as this is making life difficult for him and his family.

He is against race politics. He lives in a flat in Shah Alam where his neighbor on the right is q Chinese, and the far left is a Punjabi.

He has had no issues with them at all. However, he believes it is the politicians who are causing such cracks in the unity of our races with their blinding chase for power, when actually the politicians have the responsibility to enhance inter-ethnic communication and harmony.

He added that we must be sensitive to the problems faced by the different communities and overcome them together.

Hassan reiterated that we need leaders who unite us, not divide us.

He is tired of politicians’ promises to eliminate poverty but end up breaking such promises.

Malaysia is the only country in the world whose politicians are continuously talking about the poor, yet the poor still remain poor whilst the politicians keep getting rich. They live in big houses and drive big cars.

Hassan has driven and sent many politicians home, so he knows a thing or two about their ways of life.

The Grab driver was right; we need honest and incorruptible politicians who have a proper understanding of the complex world we live in.

I asked him if the size of the politicians’ houses and cars mattered as long as they performed their duties. Hassan’s reply to me was simply classic: If these politicians were honest and sincere, they would not be able to afford such luxuries. I had no comeback for that statement.

Hassan further asked if the politicians had a full and correct understanding of the nature of the problems our country was currently facing.

If such politicians were unaware of the issues at hand, Hassan said he was ever willing to show them.

At this juncture I could not hold back my laughter. Hassan’s comment was not cynical, but instead frustrated thoughts of a true Malaysian.

He wanted programs for social protection; strengthening our healthcare system; providing employment for all; and rehabilitating the environment.

The salary of every employee in Malaysia is low, but the profit of almost every company in Malaysia has shown immense growth.

Many people are submerged in debt, and Hassan is resentful that the poverty alleviation program is not working for him and his family.

I think there must be thousands of Hassans out there who may not have had the opportunity to speak.

Hassan is right; we need honest and incorruptible politicians who have a proper understanding of the complex world we live in, and have a set of comprehensive and internally consistent policies even before they assume office.

When I reached my destination, I thanked Hassan, tipped him generously, and realized how this chat had enlightened me.

After listening to Hassan, I read the recent report where it was stated that the Malaysian government’s revenue had decreased progressively from about 30% of GDP in the 1980s to 15% today.

One major reason is that the government has reduced corporate taxes in its bid to retain capital within the country.

I also surfed the net and was surprised to read Dr. Jeyakumar’s recent statement that states that we need a new political culture to ensure that democracy is not subverted by the rich and powerful; and a commitment to put in place measures to bring Malaysia back to its standing.

These measures may look difficult, but through consensus and agreement of all political parties, we can achieve them.

The proposal also aims to reform the political system by introducing a maximum limit on public funding for parties and capping contributions from corporations and wealthy individuals.

He also proposed making asset declaration mandatory for politicians in office, investigating and prosecuting those with unexplained wealth, and establishing additional checks and balances.

This also includes setting term limits for chief ministers and prime ministers and requiring aspiring candidates to be monitored by an oversight committee regarding their wealth accumulation.

Thank you, Hassan. You have made me a rookie political commentator through your realistic and practical lenses.

There are many Hassans out there, so let’s move beyond race, religion and fallacies. Instead, let’s focus on the reformation, unity and productivity of our beloved citizens and nation.

I am confident that the Madani government will take cognizance of these murmurings of the rakyat and make it better for all.

Hassan’s expectation is very fair and appropriate in building a nation which is going to be the best in Asia!

(Ravindran Raman Kutty is an active social worker.)