Why are people losing faith in politicians?

There are countless reasons for this shift, as reflected in the headline, but they all stem from one fundamental factor – access to information and people’s growing ability to think critically.

Historically, the leadership of a society often rested in the hands of royalty. Monarchs ruled much of the world – be it in Europe or Asia – and their word was law.

Whatever a king (or, in some cases, a queen), or their advisors, decreed was considered the ultimate truth. The entire land and its resources belonged to the monarch, who could distribute them at will. Kings often rose to power through conquests and battles, seizing control from other rulers.

What is fascinating is that, throughout history and across cultures, people widely believed in the “divine right of kings” – that kings were appointed by God and represented divine authority on earth.

In ancient Egypt, Cambodia, China, Europe, and many other parts of the world, monarchs wielded absolute political power because they were seen as direct agents of the divine. However, as societies evolved, this belief in divine rule began to crumble.

People grew more intelligent, and the idea of discriminating between human beings based on accidents of birth became unacceptable. As monarchs indulged in material excess and neglected the welfare of their people, revolutions erupted. The French Revolution in 1789 and the Russian Revolution in 1917 were both driven by these factors. The end of monarchies across the world was meant to signify the beginning of people’s rule – whether through democracy, communism, socialism, or some form of a hybrid system.

But now, in a more modern age, new sources of control have emerged. The use of religion politically to control people and perpetuate power is something the younger generation is beginning to resent. Not only is religion being manipulated for political gain, but politics is increasingly being used to control faith itself, creating a dangerous dynamic where politicians and clerics are seen as almost god-like.

This fusion of politics and religion is deeply unsettling to younger, more critically thinking generations who seek freedom from these traditional forms of manipulation. In democracies, elections are held to select representatives who will govern with the goal of enhancing the welfare of the people and protecting their lives.

In Malaysia, for instance, we have the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. The Dewan Rakyat consists of 222 members of parliament, each elected in general elections to represent their constituencies in Parliament.

These members also serve as lawmakers, tasked with creating legislation that improves and simplifies the lives of the people. They are meant to act as public servants, elected to serve the broader interests of the citizens, rather than their own.

Yet, over the years, a disturbing trend has emerged. After 67 years of independence, Malaysians have observed that while their own lives may or may not have improved, the lives of political leaders and their families have advanced dramatically. Their children enjoy luxurious lifestyles and occupy top positions in major companies, as if talent and opportunity are reserved exclusively for political dynasties.

Meanwhile, the ordinary citizen still struggles to make ends meet, despite being in what is referred to as a “developed nation”. This disparity has become glaringly obvious to the public, contributing to a deep sense of disillusionment.

The once-revered promises of development and equality are now seen as hollow, as the economic benefits appear to be concentrated in the hands of a select few. Ordinary citizens, despite their hard work and dedication, find it increasingly difficult to move up the socioeconomic ladder, while political elites and their close associates continue to thrive effortlessly.

The increasing arrogance and condescension of political leaders only exacerbate this sense of disillusionment. Leaders, instead of serving the people, often seem more interested in serving themselves.

Combined with their manipulation of religion, this power dynamic has alienated much of the population, who now view politicians and religious elites as out-of-touch rulers, rather than public servants.

Moreover, as scandals involving corruption, misuse of public funds, and favouritism continue to surface, trust in politicians is steadily eroding. Public officials caught in such activities often face little to no real consequences, further perpetuating the belief that political leaders operate under a different set of rules.

This contributes to the growing sentiment that democracy is failing its promise, as the systems of accountability and justice appear to be reserved for the common folk, not the elite.

The increasing visibility of such practices, amplified by modern media and widespread internet access, allows people to critically assess their leaders like never before. While previously, leaders could hide behind a veil of mystique or national propaganda, the digital age has stripped away this façade, revealing the stark contrast between political promises and actions.

In the end, the people’s growing dissatisfaction isn’t just about economic inequality or the misuse of power; it’s about a system where both politics and faith are being controlled from the top, leaving the common person feeling powerless. As awareness spreads, so too does the demand for genuine change.

The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.