Reading through some of the news reports, we can get a good picture of what the people of Permatang Pauh expect from their elected representative in Parliament. The needs are simple, they want someone who can walk the talk and not merely hand out sweets during the campaign period.

I am skeptical of whatever the Barisan Nasional has promised especially to the Chinese and Indian communities in Permatang Pauh. Primarily because BN do not have a good track record of fulfilling their promises in places not represented by their own. Look at how the federal government (BN lead) handled their affairs for Penang in general.

So why would Permatang Pauh be any different than the rest of Penang? If BN wants to be "nice" to those in Permatang Pauh then they should be nice to the rest of Penang. Don't you think so? It makes perfect sense, if BN is really mesra rakyat (as they claim) than BN should be benevolent towards all the states they do not control. They should rise above all the politics and treat everyone as Malaysians even if they voted for the opposition.

But this is not the case. So would Permatang Pauh be a different thing all together after polling day?

All the people want in Permatang Pauh is someone who would come to their level and meet their needs. They want development, they want a better life for themselves and their children, they want less talk and more actions and frankly, they don't really care about all the politics of the day. All the dirt flinging going about does not matter to simple folks who want a chance at a better life.

Come polling day, Permatang Pauh residents will vote and whoever they vote into parliament must fulfill their promises. Be it Pakatan or BN. Promises must be worked out and given to the people. All the funds, allocated (as promised) must reach the people because that is what they need. This is what real politics is about - service to the people and only the people because it was the people who allowed these characters to become politicians. It is the people who pay taxes so that the politics of the day can use them for the betterment of the people.

But if these promises by these politicians are merely spoken as "sugar" for the campaign trail then I suggest come next election, Permatang Pauh vote in a farmer or rubber tapper or construction worker from their area who would serve his people.

Fulfill your promises and serve the people.