No more ‘Game of Thrones’

New year resolution: 2026 is the year Malaysians must start evaluating their politicians, says the writer. — HBO

THIS YEAR is a good year for Malaysians to observe carefully what politicians say and what they have actually done, especially since the 16th General Election will most likely be held next year or, at the latest, by February 2028. This is the time to sharpen our evaluation skills, to truly look beneath the slogans, the smiles, the endless photo opportunities, and the dramatic speeches. We cannot afford to remain naïve spectators while political theatrics continue at the expense of national progress.

Over the years, I have observed how politics in Malaysia is often misunderstood, conveniently distorted, or deliberately oversimplified. Many people assume politics is merely about elections, party colours, and who shouts the loudest on stage. This shallow understanding creates fertile ground for opportunists who are more interested in power than in public service.