From forced by-elections to the current political impasse in Perak, most people interviewed said they want politicians to focus on meeting the needs of the people, particularly in facing the global financial crisis.

Some claim that the current political situation is even making the people 'reject and loathe' politicians.

Koperasi Pelancongan Pulau Pinang (Kopel) chairman Ali Akhbar Mohd Noor said although the general election was over last year, the politicking had yet to end.

'We are sick and tired of this. We don't want by-elections which are orchestrated merely for publicity,' he said, adding that both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader had talked about helping the people. So, why can't these two leaders sit together and get the job done?'

In Kota Baru, SRK (C) Kai Chih Parent-Teacher Association chairman Wee Seng Yee said there was now total disrespect for the country's rule of law, with political parties turning to the courts in their fight. 'People are the victims with all the shenanigans,' he said, adding that the tactic of forced by-elections by certain parties was simply a waste of public funds.

'I remember that a by-election was only held if the MP or assemblyman passes away but they are now making a trend out of it, especially when they need not pay a sen for it,' he said, asking for this 'mockery' to be stopped.

In Kuala Lumpur, businessman Lim Kok Heng said politicians needed to focus on the economy as businesses were facing the effects of the global financial crisis. 'I still have problems getting people to pay me up. I have salaries to pay for my staff and to feed my family, All the politicians do is to quarrel.' In Malacca, businessman K. Thanasekaran, said the general election ended last March and politicians should 'just get on with their work.'

Kelantan Funeral Parlour Association chairman Lai Kim Fook said the excessive politicking had caused people to start rejecting political parties when nothing had been done to resolve problems like corruption and cronyism.

Lawyer Mohd Hazuan Sidek, 44, said it had caused people to loathe politicians, who should be giving ideas on how to improve the economy and the lives of Malaysians. 'But now they are also wasting public funds by forcing by-elections from time to time. One can simply vacate a seat without having any conscience,' he said. -- THE STAR/ANN