“Apa cerita? (What’s up?) Can I advise you on something? I don’t like this. Darling, you are the prime minister. You lead.”

An excerpt from the transcript of a telephone conversation released by the MACC, supposedly between former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor on July 27, 2016, over the former’s approach to the 1MDB scandal when news of it first broke.

COMMENT | Since it was made public, this advice has been the most talked about and featured prominently in Rosmah’s corruption trial.

But what about similar advice and opinions from lesser minions like journalists or ordinary citizens?

Over the years, I have made suggestions, advised, and even criticised heads of departments, ministers, and even the prime minister.

Some were embarrassed by their failings and responded with denials and clarifications, but most of the time, they were ignored because, over time, Malaysians tend to forget the issues.

Some still believe the “government knows best” and disregard proposals that benefit the country and its people.