LETTER | As I observe political events unfolding each day, I can’t help but feel a sense of hopelessness and despair for the future of this country and its people.

Almost everything is topsy-turvy.

Political discord is never about good governance, mission, vision, business environment, competitiveness, good-paying jobs, equal protection of women and children, environmental protection and quality of life.

Instead, day in and day out, it is about who will get to be PM or CM and which configuration of coalitions will be in control of federal and state governments.

Then we have endless court cases with on and off trials, seeking endless postponements, bizarre decisions made, appeal and no appeal.

Since Merdeka until recently, although we did not have the best government in the world, we did have a reasonably functioning government capable of developing this country and taking care of its people.

I think the worst was the last 10 to 15 years or so. I have never seen the degree of depravity and indifference as manifested in recent years.

Politics has become blatantly immoral and “principle-less”. There is no shame in switching allegiance or changing political beliefs and principles.

Everything is up for trade or personal gain. Some have even argued that pragmatism and politics are more important than morality and principles. Just secure power and get with what we want, the rest can wait.

How can we ever have political stability and sanity when all values and principles are thrown out of the window? Why spend so much time giving moral lessons to our young ones then? To what end do we spend billions promoting religions and being God abiding? Is this not mega hypocrisy and a waste of time and resources?

Corruption is not a shameful indulgence anymore. It has become blatant, massive and in fact, a means to sustain political power. Use the power to secure money and use the money to buy more political power.

I have an inkling that politicians have no fear of being charged for corruption anymore. The wheel of justice and dispensation of punishment will be slow and often not forthcoming at all.

For how long more do we want to leave this country in limbo – rudderless, principle-less, moral-less and hopeless?

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.