Arrogance has again become a problem

A common problem that crops up when the government of the day gets tired (or fed up) after too many years in power is that of arrogance. If I remember correctly, Eddie Fenech Adami used to say that two legislations (10 years) are enough for a government to alternate. Democracy may also suffer when a government is exhausted of ideas after a long time in power. An arrogant administration becomes overbearing, presumptuous and haughty.

Many have been noticing for quite some time now that some of the ministers and PN officials are sidelining the common citizens when they try to talk to them about their problems and complaints. This does not auger well as preparation for the next general election. One might say that it is still early to worry about the next election, but if one wants to win, then he must be prepared and alert all the time. And one never knows what could happen with only a majority of one deputy!

The point I want to make is about the ministers' attitude and lethargy as regards the people's concerns and grievances. Other established writers wrote about this dilemma, but it seems that both the PN and the government are not impressed and feel safe and confident to continue bulldozing smoothly. But is it?

Now what outsiders are noticing is not restricted only to non-party observers. Nationalist sympathisers are questioning where the PN is going (PL Going Places - Quo Vadis PN? by Austin Sammut, October 6).

Dr Sammut feels "that the PN is at its lowest ebb since the Second World War, just before Nerik Mizzi returned from his exile in Uganda. I have spoken to and discussed with disgruntled Nationalist backbenchers the poor political situation". Those who watched Bondiplus where three backbenchers were questioned, can vouch for this.

Dr Sammut continued: "A general election today (need I say it) would provide a landslide victory for Labour - and mainly because of abstaining traditional Nationalist supporters (and a few Marisa Micallefs of course - there I go again)."

He concluded: "The absolute arrogance being displayed by certain ministers is unbelievable. They actually believe that they are there forever. I will say no more."

I remember years ago, when one could make an appointment with a minister in a reasonable time and feel satisfied with the outcome. Today, there are ministers who may see you after months and with a couple of dozens of other complainants! One may appreciate the heavy schedule of work and meetings the ministers are burdened with; but being at the service of the citizen, shouldn't they supposedly give priority to the citizen's problems?

And where is the director of information who used to answer letters in the papers where many people give vent to their troubles?

Many write about the awful roads where they live, left undone for many long years; others complain about drainage leakages or burst water pipes, or noise pollution; but who really cares? Some are suffering certain injustices and wish to thrash it out with a minister privately. But are they given a chance and listened to? Or if ultimately they are seen to, does the minister keep his word or just order his secretary to take note and everything is forgotten!

Let's be fair and sincere with ourselves: How many times has the man in the street been taken for a ride? Shouldn't the ministers and their officials pay more respect and attention to the man in the street because he too is heavily burdened with unemployment, cost-of-living, medical expenses, etc.

The government is still in time to change course and reverse this arrogant attitude. The 75,000 or so abstainers and floating voters are waiting and watching for a change of heart!