Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has reminded elected representatives in the state to remain grounded and understand the hardships faced by the people, particularly during floods and severe weather.
He said becoming a people’s representative should never be viewed as a privilege, but as a responsibility that must be carried out for everyone regardless of race, religion, background or political affiliation.
Ab Rauf said elected representatives must be willing to experience the realities faced by ordinary Malaysians instead of becoming detached from the communities they serve.
“We do not want to see representatives dressed well, sitting in luxurious offices without listening to the pulse of the people. If you want to be a people’s representative, you have to be one of the people,” he said.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the ‘Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) Parlimen Tangga Batu: Kampung Kita’ programme at the Hang Jebat Stadium grounds here last night.
Ab Rauf said his concern for residents during bad weather had also prompted him to personally monitor the possibility of floods and other emergencies, including ensuring that response teams were prepared to act when needed.
He said the state leadership and administration would continue visiting villages and residential areas to engage directly with residents and address issues affecting their daily lives.
According to Ab Rauf, the WRUR programme serves as an important platform for the state government to reach out to residents without considering their political views or backgrounds.
He said 531 complaints were received from residents in the Tangga Batu parliamentary constituency, covering matters involving infrastructure, housing, welfare and public facilities.
Of the total, 343 complaints, or more than 60 per cent, had been resolved, while another 188 remained under follow-up by the relevant departments and agencies.
Ab Rauf urged the authorities to address the outstanding complaints promptly, stressing that residents should not be left waiting indefinitely for solutions to issues affecting them.
He said matters that could be resolved immediately should be dealt with without delay, while cases requiring assistance or further action must continue to be pursued until a satisfactory outcome is achieved.
