A Good Leader is not necessary a Popular Leader

Most leaders whether in Malaysia or developed countries seemed to have the wrong notion that a good leader is a popular leader. This is certainly a misconceived idea harboured by leaders who lacks good principles and good idea of governance.

 

A leader can easiy win the popularity contest by merely pampering to the whims and fancy of the electorates. As a leader of the country any largess given to the people freely and without weighing the consequences is not difficult considering the resources that are available to him.

By pampering to the demands of the people  is not difficult to achieve. But a resolute leader who dares to go against the tide of public opinion knowing that what he does is right may not win the public support and opinion but in the long run the virtue of his decision to do the right thing will be his memorable legacy.

 

When Bersatu's Vice- President, Rashid Abdul Rahman's call for the party to use govt's resources so that Pakatan could win the next election ' by hook or by crook,'  there was wide applause and a standing ovation for his statement. This response only serves to confirm that UMNOs old ideology of such practice is alive in the Bersatu's members pysche. The only saving grace was its Leader and the youth body coming out to rebuke such a practice

 

What is most disappointing was the lack of reprimand from th Bersatu"s leaders. Tun M was most disappointing. He has clearly shown his lack of leadership trying to be safe and playing to te sentiments of the gallery with only a lukewarmm response.

 

Two other issues that lacked a proper response from the leader, Tun M was the the ratification of ICERD and the implementaion of local elections. Both issues need a strong political will and strong leadership and sadly on both counts both were lacking from Tun M.

 

Malaysians can only now hope that after Tun M's two years period is over, there will be a renew hope of reform and change instituted by the new P.M Anwar. At least for now any hope of reform has diminished considerably and most likely will not be implemented under Tun Ms tenure.