JUNE 2 — We elect a government to support the people, not the other way around. Unfortunately it appears that many elected representatives in the ruling coalition seem to be using their office to enrich themselves, their families and friends.

They do this at the expense of the poorer Malaysians, the bottom 40 per cent of our population.

And to make things worse they make ridiculous and obscene decisions, the meanest of which is the RM800 poverty line.

The ruling coalition expects that a family of two adults with 2-3 children can survive on RM800 per month.

Having spoken to large numbers of Malaysians, from a variety of backgrounds, not a single individual agrees with the government.

The minimum to just makes ends meet, buy monthly household groceries (in a Goods and Services Tax-elevated priced environment), try and pay for a housing loan and car or motorbike needs (horrible public transport system), see your children in school, etc requires RM3,000.

Note that currently, according to government statistics, 45 per cent of the population earn a monthly household income of less than RM3,000.

So we are asking our unrealistic leaders, who lack compassion, to “walk their talk.” Please follow your own guidelines.

This Ramadan, we challenge elected representatives in the ruling coalition to live on RM900 a month, whether you are a Muslim or non-Muslim member of parliament.

Consider giving away all the income your family earns, from your salaries, government allowances, stocks, investments, bank interests, etc for the month.

Do keep RM900, the figure you have set for fellow Malaysians to live above poverty (we are suggesting an extra RM100).

And then tell us how long you and your family will last.

Most likely you cannot drive your car much and it will be impossible to eat out apart from some bungkus nasi lemak. Taking any holiday is a pipe dream.

You will probably run out of money after one or two weeks.

The bright side is that many NGOs can support you with free food kitchens; the same ones some Malaysians rely on as lifelines.

If you actually dare to “walk your talk” you will receive double pahala (reward).

One from the people for finally understanding the bottom 40 per cent of Malaysians.

And secondly from God, for doing something real which benefits the poor in your work as an MP.

For the rest of us Malaysians who live in the reality of a struggling society, let us all share our income, big or small, with those around us in need this Ramadhan — our fellow sisters, brothers and all our Malaysian children who need it.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the view of the Malay Mail Online.