I refer to the letter Why do terrible MPs get elected? and I am responding in full support of this excellent letter by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. As a European who has been living in Malaysia for nearly five years, I take an interest in local events and the political scene here.

I am also in a service management position and have contact with many local Malaysians of all races. The one trait that I see constantly and find extremely frustrating (not for myself, but for them and the country at large) is the extent of apathy and resigned depression of most (thank heavens not all!) that I meet.

The saying that 'you get the government that you deserve' is more apt here than almost anywhere I have visited, and I have been lucky enough to have travelled to many countries.

For Malaysia to become a more mature democracy, it seems obvious to me that a seed change needs to take place in the minds of everyone not just the ruling elite, but the 'kampung' dwellers as well. I am not sure how this can be done, but somehow the general populace needs to fully understand that they will not develop the nation further unless they feel empowered and that their vote and views can make a difference.

This seed change needs to come from the top, but as others have pointed out, there are too many entrenched politicians in positions of power and influence who will hold on to that power come what may. I have rarely seen politicians in their positions within government ministries for as long as those that held high office here.

In a mature and dynamic democracy, there are many checks and balances, and politicians who do not perform are very quickly identified and consigned to the political backwater. A free press (as you would obviously agree) is a major component of these checks.

I have no quick solutions but to implore those who even in their 20s and 30s have never voted and feel disenfranchised to wake up and participate!