A paradigm shift is taking place among younger Malaysians who are not willing to put up with nonsense over the delivery of their rights. This is why they have little reservation about joining street demonstrations to clamour for ‘wrongs’ to be set right.

This new-age generation has left the government worried. The fear is that if people become vociferous and demand an even deal, then the government will have no room to indulge in hanky- panky.

In short, taking to the streets might be seen as blackmail by the government but for the people, it is their plea to be heard, to be noticed.

Be it the Berish rally, the terribly-gone-wrong Hindraf demonstration or the gathering condemning the Internal Security Act, there is no denying the fact that there are "issues" that the government needs to address, for the people's sake.

Taking to the streets with placards does not seem to be a murderous move. What can be hazardous is when street demonstrations are infiltrated by political parties seeking to add fuel to fire.

To allow people to speak their mind even if it is through street demonstrations does not categorise a government as weak. Instead, giving the rakyat the space to vent their frustrations might just help clear the dirt under the carpet.

Never underestimate the people's dissatisfaction with the government and never dismiss the every day issues affecting the people, no matter how small they may be.

Sarcasm has no place when it comes to dealing with the rakyat and issues that affect them. To sarcastically declare that the people can converge at a stadium to demonstrate their unhappiness, as Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak did not too long ago, was a show of immaturity, an open display of inability to handle real issues.

Yet, while taking to the streets, the people must never turn unruly and damage public property. A sense of accountability must accompany the intention of walking the streets, whatever the unhappiness might be about.

Should chaos reign as a result of a poorly planned demonstration or because of the mischief of a political party, then the necessary action must be taken against those behind such demonstrations.

The government must show its sincerity in wanting to solve the issues. Knee-jerk or ad-hoc measures will only worsen matters. It is apparent that, following the Hindraf rally, efforts to boost the standing of the Indian Malaysian community have been nothing short of government propaganda.

It was hypocritical of the government to show interest and declare its concern because the charade lasted for only a few days. The community is back to where it was, at the mercy of the powers-that-be.

The government should stop inviting community leaders to closed-door meetings because, as always, much is left unsaid and nothing good comes out of such discussions. It should not frighten them into submission.

How to win trust

With the general election looming, there is little the ruling coalition will not do to win the people's trust - or rather, votes. Instead of resorting shamelessly to psych-ing out people, the government should get serious about improving quality of life.

The crime rate has shot up and there is a 30 percent increase in reported rape cases. What has happened to pleas by women's groups for the definition of rape to be widened to include marital rape? Nothing.

Their call for a Sexual Harassment Act to be put in place too has been ignored. Even members of Parliament who make sexist remarks are merely told off. Do women have a right to march on the streets? Yes indeed!

The issue of snatch thieves is nothing new. But are there enough well-lit streets, pedestrian bridges and bus stops? The answer is a depressing ‘No’. Have the people not pleaded with the government for help? Yes! Has help been made available quickly? No!

Are the roads well surfaced? No! Do accidents happen because of the potholes? Yes! Are the local councils quick to make repairs? No! With elections round the corner, are the roads looking brand new? Yes!

Then there are issues affecting the disabled community and senior citizens. With so many problems facing the people, is it wrong for them to take to the streets, to get their concerns highlighted openly? No, it is not.

It is perplexing as to why the police are reluctant to issue permits for street marches or gatherings. Such refusal is nothing new - in 2003, women's groups were denied a permit after the rape and murder of Canny One. It forced women's groups to organise a closed-door event.

Does the urgency of the issue not matter to the police? Is there an unwritten law that says Malaysians are barred from street gatherings? Do Malaysians not have the right to show their displeasure openly against the government?

Or is it the government which does not have the courage to hear and see the truth, reflected in the numbers that come out in support of an issue?

It may be tiresome for people to sing the same tune time and again, but this must go on until a listening ear comes their way. It is election time and the government will be extra helpful because votes are at stake.

The government should realise that Malaysian voters are smarter these days. Dissatisfaction can result in damage in more ways than one for political parties.