What direction M’sian political leadership?
Published on: Monday, May 18, 2015
By: John Lo
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Though Malaysia’s growth rate, at about 6pc [expect it to be lower in 2015], is still quite impressive, the Ringgit has depreciated considerably, external debt is at an unhealthy state, average household debt at 80pc meaning many Malaysians are in debt in excess of 100pc. This is clearly unattainable even in the short term. There is a real danger that Malaysia’s credit rating, which has been downgraded to a single A, may even trend down to B. Down to B is tantamount to 3rd world standing.
To put this in perspective, Malaysia’s rating used to be at the very top – “triple A” before. These factors, coupled with a number of dubious economic management issues like the huge debt by IMDB, numerous monopolistic favours given to cronies, GST, and lack of a definitive political direction, the Ringgit may face further depreciation.
Every Malaysian should ask themselves these basic questions which we have every right to do so – do you think Malaysian political leaders in Government and Opposition at the Federal level have been doing a good job? Are they giving Malaysians the necessary quality political leadership that can steer us to better lives and more future economic security? The answers must come from the hearts of the individuals. As a guide to quality political leadership, let me give you 2 simple definitions of good quality political leadership:
[a] “A [good] leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and show the way” by John C Maxwell.
[b] “The quality of a leader is set by the standards they set for themselves” from Ray Kroc. It must be remembered that a political leader’s first and prime duty is to serve the interests of all Malaysian citizens.
Further point to remember is that those politicians holding public offices are being paid by us, the tax payers and citizens. Therefore they owe us the sacrosanct fiduciary duty to serve all Malaysians. Anything less than this is unacceptable and morally indefensible. It is not my intention to praise or criticise any particular political party or leader. I hope the points hereunder will give Malaysians some bench marks to assess political leaders in whose hands we have placed our trust for our economic well being and that of our future generations.
Exemplary characteristics including attributes like trustworthiness and integrity. A good political leader must not only be free from corruption but must be seen to be free from corruption. A tainted political leader cannot provide the required leadership for progress if he or she has a habit of stealing from the country and the people. Worse is that a corrupt leader will breed and multiply corruption within the system and among people working with and under him.
It is easy to see which political leader is corrupt or not by their style of living and the cars they drive. Are they living beyond their official income? It is as simple as that. If they are living beyond their official income, where do you think they got the money from? Have they been well off before entering politics?
Do the political leaders possess proactive attitudes? A good leader will understand the needs of his people. More than that, he will be proactive in seeking solutions to their problems to the best of his ability. On the reverse, there are two types of bad leadership.
One type is inactive and lazy with excessive tendency to over promise and under or worst, no delivery. You can see this sort of leaders almost daily in the newspaper when they say they will “look into it” or “contemplating” on a solution. Nothing ever happens afterwards.
The other type is the “no idea” ones. Their lack of performance is reflected in the poor standard of living of the voters in their respective constituencies even though they have been in office for donkey years.
Closely associated with performance, a good leader must possess the ability to inspire and lead the people to financial independence. A dull and clueless leader cannot do very much even though he may be a good man.
Coupled with the ability to inspire, a good leader should be open to changes, especially to economic challenges so that he can raise the standard of excellence of his people constantly.
A political leader who does not have the ability to lead and inspire the voters often resorts to bigotry in race or religion.
Do Malaysian political leaders have “developed world” mentality? Tun Mahathir is right. Achievement of high income by itself does not mean Malaysia has arrived at the doorstep of the family of developed nations. At best, we can be seen in the eyes of the world as the “hillbilly” cousin of the developed world. From their daily conduct, political utterances and parliamentary debates, Malaysians can quite easily discern these obvious “hillbilly” political leaders.
Are our leaders incapable of discarding the feudal and coarse attitude?
Are the political leaders giving Malaysians a fair deal? The question in perspective is Malaysia on par with countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore with hardly any natural resources? Malaysia is the “blue eyed boy” of the Almighty who has endowed us with numerous natural resources including oil and gas.
If Malaysia is falling behind, why? What have the political leaders done with all the God given “goodies”? With so many natural resources and the taxes Malaysians have been paying, are we getting a fair deal in medical, education, social safety net and above all, the type and quality of service from the ministries and departments? Is Malaysian education world class as has been claimed frequently?
Malaysian System of Government – hindrance or helpful? Anyone who has the opportunity to renew passports and identity cards at UTS can vouch its services are simply world class. Is this high quality of service available across the board in all other government ministries and department? If not, why can’t the political leaders extend the UTS high quality services to all ministries and departments?
Do Malaysians have to” kowtow” and pay “coffee money” like serfs in the middle ages, to have things done or face delays in months and years? Have Malaysians noticed that there are too many officials and political leaders who have come to rely on income to sustain their style of living by creating delays and difficulties for citizens. Is current system fair for all Malaysians?
The Malaysia Economic Model – Will it give us developed status? [a] Are there too many inefficient, over-staffed and underperforming Government Linked Companies with political leaders and civil servants in control? Are they losing huge amount of money or are simply uncompetitive? The billions and billions of losses by MAS is a good example of the situation with these GLCs.
Are there better ways to use the resources to give Malaysians better lives and opportunities? How is it that the GLCs in Sabah are better performers? [b] Are there too many cronies who have been favoured with monopolies rights and privileges? Why shouldn’t they face competition like all ordinary Malaysians having to struggle for a living every day? Of the 100 richest Malaysians, how many of them have gotten their wealth from political favours and, therefore, at the expense of the blood and sweat of the middle class and poor Malaysians?
The most important questions – As globalisation takes root more and more strongly, can the political leaders inspire Malaysians with confidence for the following bottom line economic questions:
[a] Can the average Malaysian trust the political leaders who are in Government and Opposition with their economic future?
[b] Do these political leaders have the ability to transform Malaysia into a high income country?
[c] Will the political party system allow younger people with ability and moral fibres to emerge as the next generation of leaders? Is the system of leadership renewal good enough?
[d] Do you think the political leaders have what it takes to make Malaysia a great and respected country internationally?
[e] Can the Ringgit in our pocket keep its value?
[f] Is our income matching to the rising cost of living?
[g] Can we see our children through university?
[h] Are we confident that we are going to have a comfortable retirement?
There is so much political garbage, half truths and exaggerations in the social and mainstream media and coffeeshop talk. Political truths are a scarce commodity. Yet Malaysians, having been raised up in a feudal environment since time immemorial, have a great tendency to accept whatever the political leaders throw down to them. Time to stop the “blind hero worship” and start having a mind of our own if Malaysians want a genuine developed country.
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